Overview

• Ukrainian and Russian delegations convene in Istanbul for the first direct negotiations since spring 2022, mediated by Turkey.
• Neither President Vladimir Putin nor President Volodymyr Zelensky is participating, with lower-level representatives leading the talks.
• Ukraine seeks an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, while Russia pushes for discussions on broader political issues, including NATO expansion and territorial claims.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attending on Friday, expressed doubts about significant breakthroughs, citing the limited authority of the Russian delegation.
• Turkey aims to leverage its ties with both nations to facilitate dialogue, but ongoing military hostilities and deep divisions temper expectations.