Ukraine-Russia peace talks: 3rd round in Istanbul
The third round of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia was announced for Wednesday evening, July 23, 2025, in Istanbul, according to Turkey's presidential administration, cited by UNIAN.
The third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine began in Istanbul
The discussions come amidst a tense military context and primarily aim at humanitarian aspects, such as prisoner exchanges and the return of civilians.
The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have concluded, TASS reports. The agency, citing an anonymous source, states that "the round has ended; there will be no continuation for this round."
The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has begun in Istanbul. It was opened by Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, who stated the ultimate goal of the negotiations was to achieve a truce, "which would pave the way to peace," Meduza reports. According to him, if a step towards a ceasefire was taken, Turkey could contribute to its monitoring.
Russia and Ukraine resume talks in Istanbul
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations are at Çırağan Palace in Turkey. According to sources from Russian agencies, the meeting between the leaders of the two delegations is taking place "face-to-face," DW reports.
According to AFP, cited by BBC, Turkey's Foreign Minister was also present at the meeting between Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov. Information that the Istanbul talks began with a "one-on-one" meeting between the heads of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations came from sources close to the Russian delegation. The Ukrainian delegation also reported that the meeting of the heads of delegations and the Turkish minister had just concluded, with a meeting involving the full delegation to follow.
Kyiv continues to pursue a truce and a direct meeting between the presidents, but politicians and commentators do not expect any progress from this round, just as they did not from previous ones, BBC reports.
A source told RBK-Ukraine that Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to meet with the Russian president. "Russia is the one dragging its feet on the issue. We came here for practically the third time to approve this point," he told the publication.
Russia and Ukraine resume talks in Istanbul. Talks cover prisoner exchange and humanitarian issues
Ukrainian delegates met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara before the third round of peace talks with Russia, the television channel Suspilne reported, citing a source from the Presidential Office, The Kyiv Independent writes.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, will depart for Istanbul after concluding discussions with Turkish officials, according to Suspilne.
Russian media also reported that a Russian delegation has departed for the negotiations, which are scheduled to begin at Çırağan Palace in Istanbul at 7:00 PM local time.
Russia and Ukraine resume talks in Istanbul. Talks cover prisoner exchange and humanitarian issues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the participation of the delegation led by Rustem Umerov, former Minister of Defense and current Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Among Kyiv's priorities are the continuation of prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children and civilians, who are alleged to have been deported by Russia.
From Russia's side, the delegation is led by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky. The Kremlin insists it will push for territorial claims, including the recognition of the annexation of Crimea and the occupied regions of eastern Ukraine. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that "there is no reason for excessive optimism," due to the "fundamentally opposite" positions of the two sides.
The meeting is taking place in Turkey, a state that also mediated previous rounds held in Istanbul in May and June. These discussions did not lead to a ceasefire but facilitated prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers' bodies.
The context of the negotiations is marked by the intensification of fighting in the Donetsk region and increasing international pressure. US President Donald Trump recently called on Russia to accept a peace agreement within 50 days, threatening additional sanctions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
