Key Points and Summary – A new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia is set to begin in Istanbul, but expectations for a breakthrough are extremely low.
-The negotiations come as Russia continues its relentless drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and as President Trump’s 50-day ultimatum for a ceasefire looms.
-While Ukraine is pushing for prisoner exchanges and the return of abducted children, the Kremlin has signaled that no “miraculous breakthroughs” should be expected, reiterating its maximalist demands.
-With both sides entrenched and the fighting escalating, the Istanbul talks appear to be more of a diplomatic sideshow than a genuine path to peace.
Ukraine-Russia Talks to Resume in Istanbul
In-person ceasefire discussions between Ukraine and Russia will begin again in Istanbul this Wednesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks, which would mark the third set of talks this year, during Monday’s nightly address. He confirmed that Ukraine’s national security chief, Rustem Umerov, would once again head-up his delegation.
The meetings follow the U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50-day deadline for a ceasefire agreement. This high-stakes ultimatum would be aimed at breaking the current diplomatic deadlock, but does it stand any chance of success?
Drone Exchanges Continue
The summit comes against a backdrop of relentless drone and missile attacks, with Russian strikes continuing across Ukrainian cities, including Odesa.
Despite previous meetings in May and June resulting in prisoner swaps and the return of soldiers’ remains, a lasting ceasefire has remained elusive.
This round of talks carries added urgency. Earlier this month, Trump threatened Russia with additional sanctions and tariffs unless it agreed to halt hostilities within 50 days. His administration has also pledged further military support to Ukraine, prioritizing air defense systems to counter Russia’s escalating use of drones.
Kremlin: Quick ‘Breakthrough’ Unlikely
Yet Moscow appears unmoved by the mounting pressure from Washington. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov struck a skeptical tone on Tuesday, cautioning that “miraculous breakthroughs” should not be expected.
While reiterating Russia’s ostensible openness to peace, he emphasized that any real progress would take time, and would ultimately be shaped by Russia’s strategic goals.
Zelenskyy, for his part, outlined Ukraine’s immediate priorities: the return of prisoners of war, the repatriation of children abducted by Russia, and preparation for a long-sought direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin. “Ukraine never wanted this war,” Zelenskyy said. “It is Russia that must end the war it started.”
Moscow to Use Talks as ‘Smokescreen’
Still, expectations remain low. Oleksandr Merezhko, who leads Kyiv’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, has complained that Moscow will use ongoing talks as a subterfuge and that its aims remain to “subjugate” Ukraine.
Whether this round of negotiations proves to be a stepping stone toward peace or just another diplomatic charade may hinge on Trump’s next move. Will the threat of increased U.S. pressure outweigh Moscow’s battlefield ambitions?
But with neither side seemingly in agreement about a solution, will this war simply continue to grind on to the chagrin of civilians, exhausted soldiers and the Western governments bankrolling Ukraine’s defense?
About the Author:
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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Jim
July 22, 2025 at 5:41 pm
Neutrality, Equal rights for Russian-speakers, removal of the coup regime, and a constabulary military force, and recognition of annexed territory, plus Crimea.
These are the bare bones of the Russian peace terms and, yes, these are a victor’s peace terms.
It looks like the war will be settled through force of arms on the battlefield.
And, Kiev will lose… how badly they will lose nobody really knows at this point, again the battlefield will tell.
5th Generation Warfare? It means nothing anymore.