Russian and Ukrainian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul on Friday for the first time in over three years, opening a new round of peace talks amid mounting international pressure to end the war. The meeting, hosted by Turkey at Dolmabahce Palace, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire but says no real progress can happen without a one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What to Know:
The talks mark the first direct meeting between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022.
Turkey’s foreign minister opened the session, joining both delegations with a Turkish team.
Ukrainian negotiators are demanding an immediate 30-day ceasefire, the return of children taken by Russia, and a full prisoner swap.
Moscow says it’s open to diplomacy but accuses Ukraine of using truces to regroup and rearm.
Trump said he plans to meet with Putin on Friday, “as soon as we can set it up,” but has not confirmed a date.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, were also in Istanbul for separate talks.
Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, with both sides sending mid-level representatives.
Just before the talks, Ukraine reported fresh Russian advances in the east and explosions in Dnipro.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
08:13 AM EDT
Zelensky warns world must act if Russia uses peace talks as theater
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) stands next to France’s President Emmanuel Macron during the European Political Community (EPC) summit, in Tirana on May 16, 2025.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) stands next to France’s President Emmanuel Macron during the European Political Community (EPC) summit, in Tirana on May 16, 2025.
Armend Nimani/Getty Images
Speaking from a European summit in Albania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to respond firmly if Russia’s latest peace efforts prove insincere. His remarks came as Russian and Ukrainian delegations held direct talks in Istanbul—the first such meeting in three years.
“The world must respond, there needs to be a strong reaction including sanctions against Russia’s energy sector and banks,” Zelensky said from Tirana. “Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made.”
Zelensky spoke about the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, saying it was essential to “stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy.” If Russia refuses even that, he warned, it would be a clear sign that President Vladimir Putin is not serious about ending the war.
07:57 AM EDT
Turkey’s foreign minister wishes luck to Ukrainian and Russian delegations as talks begin
In this handout image provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) are seen as Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks…
In this handout image provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) are seen as Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks at the office of Turkish President in Dolmabahce Palace on May 16, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.
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Arda Kucukkaya/Turkish Foreign Ministry/Getty Images
Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, wished Ukrainian and Russian delegations “good luck” as peace negotiations started in Istanbul. At the meeting’s opening, Fidan noted that this is the first direct contact between the two sides since March 2022.
He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, saying the ongoing war continues to cost lives and that progress must be made. Fidan described the talks as “technical” and said they aim to prepare the way for a future meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.
The talks follow a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who later said he would not attend. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is also not participating, saying he would only meet with Putin.
07:42 AM EDT
Trump says he’s moving to set up talks with Putin soon
Trump announced Friday that he is working to arrange direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible. The move came after Putin chose to skip peace talks between Russia and Ukraine that were held in Turkey.
Speaking to reporters after a Middle East trip, Trump said he may call Putin soon for a meeting. “He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it or maybe not,” he said. “At least we’ll know.”
Trump said he was not surprised by Putin’s absence, explaining, “Putin didn’t want to go because he’s not there.” He added that he would be willing to meet Putin immediately, even as he prepares to visit his newborn grandson.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to participate in the peace talks, Putin declined a face-to-face meeting with him. Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the war, which has been ongoing since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelensky has accepted an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has yet to agree and continues its military actions. Despite the Istanbul talks, officials expect limited progress.
Trump stressed the importance of a direct meeting with Putin to break the deadlock, saying, “I don’t believe anything’s going to happen… until he and I get together.” He also highlighted the heavy toll of the conflict, noting that thousands of young people are being killed weekly.
07:29 AM EDT
What’s on the table in the Russia-Ukraine talks?
The exact details of the discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations remain unclear. Ukraine’s defence minister, Rustem Umerov, who leads its delegation in Istanbul, has said that a 30-day ceasefire is a key priority. He also called for the return of all abducted children and a complete prisoner-of-war exchange.
On the other hand, Moscow has expressed a desire to end the conflict but has repeatedly declined the 30-day ceasefire proposal, arguing that its demands have not been met.
While these demands are not fully detailed, Russia has suggested that a ceasefire could give Ukraine time to rest its forces, recruit additional troops, and receive more weapons from the West.