The talks began after a 24-hour delay marked by diplomatic uncertainty. Although Putin initiated the meeting, he did not attend, instead sending a mid-level delegation. 

Russian and Ukrainian officials resumed direct peace talks in Istanbul on Friday for the first time in over three years — without either President Vladimir Putin or President Volodymyr Zelenskyy present at the negotiating table.

The two delegations met in the ornate Dolmabahce Palace, seated opposite each other: Russians in dark suits and Ukrainians in military camouflage.

Opening the session, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned, “There are two paths today: one leads to peace, and the other will cause more destruction and loss of life. Both sides will choose which path to take.”

The talks began after a 24-hour delay marked by diplomatic uncertainty. Although Putin initiated the meeting, he did not attend, instead sending a mid-level delegation. 

Zelenskyy had publicly challenged him to appear in person but later agreed to participate under U.S. pressure, dispatching Defence Minister Rustem Umerov to lead Ukraine’s team.

“Unfortunately, (the Russians) are not serious enough about the negotiations … Out of respect for President [Donald] Trump and [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan, I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul now,” Zelenskyy stated on Thursday.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s key demand: “a full, unconditional and honest ceasefire.” He added, “This must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy.”

Ukraine has expressed willingness to freeze current frontlines and withdraw its NATO membership bid, but only in exchange for strong Western support and security guarantees, potentially involving European troops. Russia, however, continues to reject ceasefire offers, claiming they give Ukraine time to rearm.

The Kremlin portrayed the Istanbul meeting as a continuation of stalled 2022 talks, during which Russia called for sweeping limitations on Ukraine’s military and sovereignty—terms Kyiv still finds unacceptable.

Russia’s delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, a hawkish aide and former culture minister who has questioned Ukraine’s right to statehood.

Despite the resumption of dialogue, both Washington and Moscow have tempered expectations, with no real breakthrough anticipated.

Still, holding the talks without agreeing to Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire condition was seen by some as a symbolic win for Moscow.

Meanwhile, Trump, who had pushed for negotiations, cast doubt on their usefulness. “Nothing is going to happen” until he met Putin, he said on Thursday. By Friday, he declared he would meet the Russian president “as soon as we can set it up.”

Though Zelenskyy has made multiple concessions to demonstrate his commitment to peace, Trump’s latest remarks — positioning a personal U.S.-Russia summit as essential — further weakened Ukraine’s role in shaping the course of negotiations.