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Second Round of Peace Talks in Turkey
Delegates from Russia and Ukraine gather at Ciragan Palace for the second round of peace negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2, 2025. Pictured are the Russian delegation, including presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, the Chief of the Turkish General Staff Metin Gurak, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, alongside the Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. — Reuters
- Second round of direct discussions convened in Turkey.
- Divergence remains significant between Russia and Ukraine.
- Agreement reached on a new prisoner exchange.
The peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, held in Istanbul, wrapped up swiftly—just over an hour after starting on a Monday that followed a large-scale Ukrainian drone offensive targeting Russia’s long-range bombers capable of nuclear strikes.
Originally set to begin on schedule, the discussions were delayed by nearly two hours without explanation. Despite the quiet atmosphere and brief dialogue, the delegates reached an understanding to undertake a new prisoner exchange. Ukraine also stated that further talks are planned.
Prior to the meeting, Russian war bloggers voiced their displeasure, urging the Kremlin to respond decisively to Ukraine’s recent extensive attacks, particularly those directed at Russian strategic bombers stationed in Siberia and beyond.
Assessments of damage sustained by Russia’s bomber fleet, crucial to their nuclear capabilities, varied widely between both nations. However, satellite images indicated that significant losses had been recorded on the Russian side.
At the outset of the talks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan remarked, "The whole world is watching these discussions." He emphasized the goal was to assess conditions for a ceasefire, propose a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, and explore potential opportunities for prisoner exchanges.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, leading the Ukrainian side, confirmed agreements concerning a new exchange, focusing on severely injured individuals and young people. He also mentioned that Russia had presented its draft of a potential peace agreement, prompting Ukraine to review this alongside their own proposal.
Ukraine has suggested that more discussions take place before the end of June but believes that only a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin of Russia could resolve outstanding disputes.
Furthermore, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, noted that Kyiv had provided a list of children they claimed were deported to Russia and were seeking to return. In contrast, Moscow contended that these relocations were for the safety of the children amid ongoing conflict.
Expectations for Monday’s negotiations were low, with both sides bracing for a discussion about their contrasting visions of a full ceasefire and future peace arrangements. President Trump has indicated that the U.S. might reconsider its role as a mediator should there be no progress.
Umerov pointed out that Kyiv could not fully respond to Russia’s proposals as they arrived only that day.
Humble Expectations
Despite both parties expressing interest in keeping Trump involved in peace efforts, optimism for a significant breakthrough was muted. Ukraine perceives Russia’s stance as an attempt to coerce them into submission, which Kyiv firmly opposes. Meanwhile, Moscow, having made rapid advances on the battlefield recently, insists that Ukraine must accept terms favorable to Russia or risk additional territorial losses.
Putin laid out his initial conditions for an immediate conclusion to the conflict last June, requesting that Ukraine renounce its NATO aspirations and withdraw its troops from territories claimed and largely occupied by Russia.
A roadmap proposed by Ukraine, which Reuters has reviewed, indicates that Kyiv seeks to maintain unrestricted military capabilities post-peace deal, deny any international acknowledgement of Russian authority over the contested regions of Ukraine, and demand reparations.
Currently, Russia occupies nearly 20% of Ukraine, equating to about 113,100 square kilometers—roughly equivalent to the size of the state of Ohio.
The conflict escalated on February 24, 2022, when Putin deployed tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, following years of violence in the east between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces. Since the onset of hostilities, the U.S. estimates that over 1.2 million individuals have been killed or injured.
Trump has criticized Putin publicly, labeling him as "crazy" and expressing disapproval of Zelenskiy. Nonetheless, he has remarked that peace is attainable and warned that delays by Putin could result in sanctions on Russia.
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