Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Russia, Ukraine Meet in Istanbul for Peace Talks After Weeks
Russia and Ukraine are talking again after a long break to try and end their war.
The talks are happening because the US President wants them to make a deal.
They are talking about things like letting prisoners and kids go home and possibly having a meeting between the leaders of both countries.
Russia wants Ukraine to give up some land and stay out of groups like NATO.
Ukraine wants the fighting to stop, for Russia to pay for damages, and security promises.
Both sides aren't expecting big changes right away.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul for peace talks after a seven-week hiatus.
The meeting was held amid pressure from the U.S. President to reach a deal.
Key topics included prisoner exchange, the return of abducted children, and a potential Putin-Zelenskiy summit.
Russia demands include Ukrainian military withdrawal and neutral status; Ukraine seeks ceasefire, reparations, and security guarantees.
Both sides expressed low expectations for immediate breakthroughs.
- Who
- Russian and Ukrainian negotiators; facilitated by Turkey.
- What
- Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- When
- First talks in seven weeks, starting Wednesday evening.
- Where
- Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- To discuss peace, prisoner exchange, and potentially arrange a summit between leaders; driven by pressure from the U.S.
Russia
Ukraine
Territorial Integrity and Security
Russia
Demands Ukraine cede territory, limit military, and accept neutral status.
Ukraine
Demands immediate ceasefire, reparations, and security guarantees.
Legitimacy of Leadership
Russia
Does not recognize Zelenskiy as a legitimate leader
Ukraine
Zelenskiy demands a summit with Putin.
- Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Participants
- Russian and Ukrainian Negotiators
- Facilitator
- Turkey
- Key Demands - Russia
- Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions, limits on the size of Ukraine’s military, enhanced rights for Russian-speakers, and Ukraine’s acceptance of neutral status
- Key Demands - Ukraine
- Immediate ceasefire, reparations, international security guarantees, and no restrictions on its military strength.
- U.S. Involvement
- U.S. President pressured Russia to strike a deal or face sanctions.