Ukraine has agreed to attend new peace talks with Russia but insists on seeing Moscow’s draft proposal first, raising doubts about the seriousness of upcoming negotiations in Istanbul.
At a Glance
- Russia proposed new peace talks in Istanbul set for Monday
- Ukraine demands written terms from Russia before attending
- Russia’s conditions include NATO rollback and sanction relief
- U.S. gives Russia two weeks to show ceasefire progress
- UN sees slim prospects for peace as conflict enters third year
Ukraine’s Terms for Talks
Ukraine has signaled readiness to join a second round of peace negotiations in Istanbul but remains firm: no discussions unless Russia first shares a formal proposal. After Moscow’s offer to resume dialogue following its largest air assault of the war, Ukrainian officials responded with skepticism.
“We want to engage in a constructive discussion,” said Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff, stressing the need for transparency. The Ukrainian foreign ministry added that Russia’s failure to present a draft in advance likely signals another round of “unrealistic ultimatums,” further complicating the path to peace.
Watch a report: Ukraine demands Russian peace plan before Istanbul talks.
Russia’s Demands and U.S. Pressure
Reports suggest Russia’s conditions include Ukraine’s withdrawal from annexed regions, a halt to NATO expansion, and the lifting of Western sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for a ceasefire, favoring a direct push toward a comprehensive treaty—on his terms. Ukrainian officials argue that such positions are nonstarters.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has become more assertive in the process. President Trump reportedly gave Putin a two-week deadline to show concrete progress or risk Washington withdrawing from mediation efforts. “If Russia makes the wrong decision to continue this catastrophic war,” warned diplomat John Kelley, “the United States will have to consider stepping back.”
Will There Be a High-Level Summit?
Despite the strained conditions, President Zelenskyy has expressed openness to meeting directly with both President Trump and President Putin. “We are ready for the ‘Trump, Putin, and me’ format,” he said, noting that various combinations—including bilateral sessions—are on the table if they could produce results.
Yet with no formal ceasefire, daily attacks continuing, and major territorial disputes unresolved, prospects remain bleak. The United Nations has publicly stated that the chances for a negotiated end remain “minimal” as the war enters its third year.
Between Hope and Hardball
As international focus turns to Istanbul, the stakes are high. Turkey’s President Erdogan continues to urge both sides to keep diplomatic channels open, but without substantive shifts from either camp, analysts warn this round could mirror previous failures.
Ultimately, whether peace advances may hinge on a single document: Russia’s draft proposal. If Moscow delivers realistic terms and Kyiv shows flexibility, diplomacy may have a chance. But if entrenched positions dominate, the world may once again watch talks collapse into further bloodshed.
