Istanabul: The second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended abruptly in under an hour on Monday, with little progress and no breakthrough.
Held in Istanbul amid escalating hostilities, the talks saw Russia refuse an unconditional ceasefire, instead proposing a limited 2–3 day truce in select frontline areas.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov led Kyiv’s delegation, while Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky headed Russia’s team. The two sides met at a U-shaped table with Turkish mediators present, but hopes were low following intense weekend attacks.
“The Russian side continued to reject the motion of an unconditional ceasefire,” Ukrainian negotiator Sergiy Kyslytsya said. Russia claimed a full truce would enable Ukraine to regroup militarily. Medinsky instead offered a short-term ceasefire to allow the recovery of soldiers’ bodies.
Ukraine has suggested another round of talks later this month, proposing dates between June 20 and 30. Kyiv also pushed for a direct meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin.
Tensions remain high after Ukraine reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian warplanes at distant bases across Russia on Sunday, including sites in the Arctic and Far East. In retaliation, Moscow launched a record 472 drones at Ukrainian targets — the largest single-day drone assault since the war began in 2022.
