Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met face-to-face on Friday at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, marking the first direct talks between the two nations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite high hopes, the meeting ended without significant progress toward peace.
Seated across from each other at a U-shaped table, the two sides held talks for under two hours. Russia demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the contested regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—areas Moscow does not fully control. Ukraine refused, saying it would not concede any territory, blocking any immediate agreement on a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
Major Prisoner Exchange Agreed
In a rare point of agreement, both delegations reached a deal to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. This will be the largest prisoner swap since the start of the conflict.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan welcomed the exchange and said both sides had shown “a willingness to continue dialogue.” He also confirmed that follow-up meetings could take place soon.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said, “We are open to a future summit between our two presidents. The door remains open for diplomacy.”
Russian representative Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that both delegations would prepare detailed ceasefire proposals for upcoming review.
International Leaders Push for Diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the outcome of the meeting with leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland. He called for strong sanctions against Russia if it refuses to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire.
Zelenskyy also participated in a regional summit in Albania, where European leaders discussed democracy, peace, and security in Eastern Europe. He stressed the importance of unity in pressuring Russia to return to diplomacy.
Trump Signals Intent to Meet Putin
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced from Abu Dhabi that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “as soon as we can set it up.” Trump stated, “It’s time for us to just do it,” signaling urgency in ending the war through direct talks.
He added that peace requires both sides to sit down, listen, and find common ground. “This war has gone on too long,” Trump said. “It’s hurting people on both sides.”
Ongoing Conflict Still Taking Heavy Toll
Despite diplomatic moves, fighting continues across multiple fronts in eastern and southern Ukraine. The regions of Donetsk and Luhansk remain hot zones, with daily shelling and rising civilian casualties. Russia has increased drone attacks in recent weeks, while Ukraine continues its efforts to reclaim lost territory.
According to the UN, the conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with thousands more injured or killed. Infrastructure damage is widespread, and rebuilding efforts are stalled due to continued fighting.
While no ceasefire was reached during Friday’s session, the commitment to exchange prisoners and continue talks offers a glimmer of hope. Observers believe further meetings could take place later this month.
Diplomatic experts say a lasting peace deal will require compromise and support from global leaders. “This is a slow process,” said Anna Petrova, a conflict resolution analyst based in Berlin. “But the fact they met in person is already a small step forward.”