Overview

• Russian and Ukrainian delegations convene in Istanbul for their first direct peace talks since 2022, hosted by Turkey at Dolmabahce Palace.
• Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined to attend, with both sides accusing each other of not being serious about negotiations.
• The talks occur under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that no progress will be made until he meets with Putin directly.
• Ukraine and European allies demand a 30-day ceasefire as a precondition for further negotiations, a proposal rejected by Russia.
• Western officials warn of potential new sanctions on Moscow, targeting its energy sector, if it continues to resist meaningful steps toward peace.