Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Fail to Produce Ceasefire Agreement

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In a short meeting in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine talked about conducting more prisoner exchanges, but they struggled to find common ground on a ceasefire and a potential leaders’ summit.

Following the 40-minute discussion, Ukraine’s main negotiator, Rustem Umerov, stated, “We made progress on humanitarian issues, but there was no advancement towards stopping hostilities.”

He mentioned that Ukraine suggested a meeting between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin before the end of August, saying, “Acceptance of this offer by Russia would show its constructive intent.”

Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s head negotiator, emphasized that a leaders’ meeting should aim to finalize an agreement, rather than starting the discussions anew.

Medinsky reiterated Russia’s request for short ceasefires lasting 24-48 hours to facilitate the recovery of bodies, whereas Ukraine seeks an immediate and longer-lasting cessation of conflict.

The talks took place just over a week after US President Donald Trump threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.

There was no sign of any progress towards that goal, although both sides said there was discussion of further humanitarian exchanges following a series of prisoner swaps, the latest of which took place on Wednesday.

Medinsky said the negotiators agreed to exchange at least 1,200 more prisoners of war (POWs) from each side, and Russia had offered to hand over another 3,000 Ukrainian bodies.

He said Russia was working through a list of 339 names of Ukrainian children that Ukraine accuses it of abducting. Russia denies that charge and says it has offered protection to children separated from their parents during the war.

“Some children have already been returned to Ukraine. We are working on restoring the rest. Once legal guardians or close relatives are identified, these children will promptly be reunited with their families,” Medinsky explained.

A man wearing a suit and glasses speaking at a lectern.

Vladimir Medinsky was the head of a delegation from Russia in peace talks with Ukraine. Source: AAP / Alexander Ryumin/TASS/Sipa USA

Umerov said Ukraine was expecting “further progress” on POWs, adding: “We continue to insist on the release of civilians, including children.” Ukrainian authorities say at least 19,000 children have been forcibly deported.

Shortest talks yet

Before the talks, the Kremlin had played down expectations, describing the two sides’ positions as diametrically opposed and saying no one should expect miracles.

At 40 minutes, the meeting was even shorter than the two sides’ previous encounters on 16 May and 2 June, which lasted a combined total of under three hours.

Oleksandr Bevz, part of the Ukrainian negotiating team, mentioned their proposal for an August meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, which aligns with the deadline set by Trump for securing an agreement.

Putin turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskyy to meet in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Zelenskyy’s five-year mandate expired last year.

Trump has patched up relations with Zelenskyy after a public row with him at the White House in February, and has lately expressed growing frustration with Putin.

Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters last week that Putin, unfazed by Trump’s ultimatum, would keep fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.