Delegations from Russia and Ukraine have met in Istanbul for the first direct talks between the two nations since 2022.
Officials from Russia, Ukraine and the United States arrived in Istanbul on Friday, May 16, 2025, morning for the talks.
Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan spoke briefly as the talks with Ukraine and Russia began in Istanbul.
Fidan opened the meeting by saying that he was happy to see that the will of the two sides had opened up a new window of opportunity for peace.
He said it was critical for a ceasefire to be agreed as soon as possible, and for the foundations to be made for a meeting of the two nation’s leaders.
“There are two paths today: One leads to peace, and the other will cause more destruction and loss of life. Both sides will choose which path to take.
“Hosting both sides shows our strong will to end the war. We have an opportunity to end the war … in order to take the path of peace we need to take advantage of this opportunity. Every day causes more lives to be lost. While this war is claiming lives, it is critically important that a ceasefire happens as soon as possible.”
Hakan Fidan
In a nod towards Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s decision not to attend the talks, Fidan said that the meeting in Istanbul should “prepare for a meeting between the leaders.”
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said previously that he would be willing to meet with Putin, believing that only a meeting with the Russian President can truly secure an end to the fighting.
Even so, Zelenskyy’s chief aide, Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram that Ukraine aims to secure an “unconditional ceasefire” during talks with Russian officials in Turkey. “This is our priority,” he added.
Similarly, Zelenskyy said that his “number one priority is a full, unconditional and honest ceasefire” during talks with Russia to potentially pave the way for a future peace deal.
“This must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy.
“And if the Russian representatives in Istanbul today cannot even agree to that, to a ceasefire … then it will be 100% clear that Putin continues to undermine diplomacy.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Low Optimism Amid Talks
However, optimism is low that the negotiations could produce significant progress towards a ceasefire, after Russian President, Vladimir Putin spurned an offer by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet face to face in Turkiye.
Zelenskyy said that he was sending a team headed by his defence minister to Istanbul for the talks, even as he said that the Russian delegation did not include “anyone who actually makes decisions,” accusing Moscow of not making efforts to end the war.
Zelenskyy’s announcement on Thursday came after the Kremlin said Putin had no intention to meet with him in Turkiye, sending instead a junior delegation for the planned talks – a move that Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna said was “like a slap in the face.”
Putin’s absence punctured hopes of a breakthrough in ceasefire efforts that were pushed in recent months by the Trump administration and Western European leaders. It also raised the prospect that some of Ukraine’s allies could impose more sanctions on Russia.
US President Donald Trump, who had pressed for Putin and Zelenskyy to meet face to face in Istanbul, brushed off Putin’s absence from the talks.
Trilateral talks are also planned between the United States, Ukraine and Turkiye, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara.
READ ALSO: Transport Minister Advised to Engage Transport Operators to Reduce Fares
