First direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years begin in Istanbul amid widespread skepticism from all parties involved.
At a Glance
- Russia and Ukraine are holding their first direct peace talks since March 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed low expectations without direct Trump-Putin involvement
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s delegation as lacking decision-makers
- President Trump indicated willingness to meet with Putin and suggested a meeting could happen soon
- Fighting continues with Russian drone attacks and a U.S.-supplied F-16 fighter jet crash reported
Peace Talks Begin Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Russia and Ukraine have commenced their first direct peace negotiations since March 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey. These talks represent a significant diplomatic effort after more than three years of devastating conflict. The negotiations follow attempts to arrange a meeting in Ankara, which was relocated to Istanbul after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined an offer for direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing military operations and substantial casualties on both sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Ukrainian delegation while other American officials were slated to engage with the Russian delegation. The Turkish government has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meeting with Zelenskyy before the Ukrainian leader traveled to Albania for a European leaders’ meeting. Despite these diplomatic efforts, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer placed responsibility for both starting and continuing the conflict squarely on Russia and Putin.
Skepticism Clouds Negotiation Prospects
Expectations for a breakthrough remain low, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting that meaningful progress would likely require direct involvement of President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. This assessment follows a pattern of unsuccessful negotiation attempts throughout the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has publicly questioned Russia’s commitment to peace, criticizing Moscow’s delegation as lacking decision-makers and suggesting the talks may be merely ceremonial rather than a genuine peace effort.
@ZelenskyyUa @KremlinRussia @realDonaldTrump
Lets look at the three approaches to the on going war in Ukraine between Russia and Ukraine:
Volodymyr Zelenskyy's post reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, mentioning collaborations with the U.S., Europe,…
— Charles Nolen (@RealChrisNolen) March 7, 2025
President Trump has expressed skepticism about the potential for progress without his direct involvement with Putin. In recent statements, Trump indicated that Putin had shown interest in his attendance at the negotiations. “I’ve always said that this wouldn’t get done unless Putin and I meet. He wants me there,” Trump remarked. The President added that while he is prepared for discussions with Putin, the timing would depend on scheduling considerations, suggesting a potential meeting could occur relatively soon.
Military Operations Continue Despite Talks
The diplomatic overtures have not halted military operations on the ground. Ukraine reported fresh attacks from Russian drones immediately preceding the peace talks, highlighting the continuing hostilities. Additionally, Ukrainian forces reported the crash of a U.S.-supplied F-16 fighter jet within their territory, though they noted the pilot safely ejected. These incidents underscore the dangerous military situation persisting parallel to the diplomatic efforts in Istanbul.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while Putin had no plans to travel to Turkey for the negotiations, the Russian president did meet with his negotiating team to establish their position. Russia recently declared a three-day ceasefire in certain areas, but the broader conflict continues unabated. The war has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and created a humanitarian crisis that has reverberated throughout Europe and beyond, elevating the stakes for these Istanbul negotiations despite the prevailing atmosphere of distrust.
