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Russia and Ukraine Exchange Peace Plans in Istanbul Talks Amid Ongoing War
Russia and Ukraine exchanged documents in Istanbul peace talks, but Kyiv insists any deal must not reward Putin. Fighting continues despite hopes for ceasefire.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-02
Russia and Ukraine Exchange Peace Plans in Istanbul Talks Amid Ongoing War

Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul on Monday for fresh negotiations aimed at ending their three-year conflict — Europe’s largest since World War II. The talks marked a rare direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that any agreement must not “reward” Russian President Vladimir Putin for his aggression but expressed Kyiv’s willingness to take “necessary steps for peace.” The delegations exchanged documents through Turkish mediators and are preparing another prisoner swap.

The summit follows a recent audacious Ukrainian drone strike on Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russian territory, signaling Kyiv’s continued military pressure even amid diplomacy.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the talks by noting the world’s eyes were on Istanbul. While Ukraine demands a “full and unconditional ceasefire” as a precondition for peace, Russia insists on addressing the “root causes” of the conflict — a euphemism for demands including limiting Ukraine’s military and territorial concessions that Kyiv and the West reject as baseless.

The war has caused massive casualties, widespread destruction, and Europe’s largest refugee crisis since WWII.

On the ground, skepticism remains strong. Many Ukrainians doubt the talks will bring an end to fighting, but hope for a ceasefire to retrieve the dead and provide relief from constant violence.

Despite setbacks on the battlefield, Kyiv’s recent drone attack on Russian airbases demonstrates ongoing resistance, while Moscow pushes for Ukraine to cede territory and lose Western military support.

The future of the conflict remains uncertain as both sides hold entrenched positions, with Ukraine seeking Western security guarantees that Russia firmly opposes.

 
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PeaceNegotiations

RussiaUkraineConflict

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