ISTANBUL — The recent peace talks in Istanbul have left Ukraine in disbelief as Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a ceasefire. The meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations concluded swiftly, lasting only two hours, and resulted in an agreement on a large-scale prisoner swap. However, it became evident that Russia remains uninterested in halting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite months of diplomacy spearheaded by President Trump, Russia’s stance has not softened from its original demands made at the onset of the 2022 invasion.
The initial day of talks descended into chaos, with no substantial discussions taking place. On the second day, there was a glimmer of hope as both delegations were present in Istanbul. Although discussions were delayed, they commenced around midday and were over within two hours. A significant outcome was the agreement for a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, as announced by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The Ukrainian government proposed an immediate ceasefire and a face-to-face meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Putin. However, the Russian delegation rejected these proposals, instead demanding a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts—territories not fully controlled by Russia. The annexation of these regions by Russia in 2022 is not recognized internationally.
Ukrainian officials perceive Russia’s actions as a stalling tactic to prepare for further military offensives. Despite numerous ceasefire agreements since 2014, Russia has consistently failed to adhere to them, casting doubt on its commitment to genuine negotiations. The situation in occupied regions remains dire, with fears that the current demarcation lines could become permanent, akin to a new Berlin Wall.
The stance of the U.S. administration under President Trump has been criticized for being inconsistent compared to the previous administration’s approach. Ukraine’s position has weakened, and real negotiations appear unlikely in the near future. Following the talks, President Zelensky engaged in discussions with several European leaders, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness for peace and the importance of international unity.
Despite the lack of progress in Istanbul, the spotlight increasingly focuses on Putin’s role in the ongoing conflict. The U.S. strategy towards Russia has not yet evolved to apply significant pressure on the Kremlin. The talks in Istanbul may have diminished the perception of Russia as an honest broker, revealing a strategy aimed at buying time rather than seeking a resolution. Ukrainian soldiers and officials continue to express skepticism over Russia’s intentions, viewing the talks as a smokescreen while military operations persist.
