Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has challenged the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to meet in person in Turkey, but Putin has opted to send a junior delegation to the peace talks instead. The Russian team includes presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin, and deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin. This move is likely to be perceived as an insult by the Ukrainians, and it’s unlikely that President Zelensky will meet with them. However, Ukraine may send a team of negotiators to the talks, especially given the mounting US pressure on Ukraine to engage with Russia.
Talks’ Progress and Putin’s Demands
The duration of the talks will depend on their progress, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Putin chaired a meeting yesterday evening to prepare for the talks, attended by key officials including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Putin’s demands for a ceasefire include recognition of Russia’s control over occupied territories, Ukraine’s neutrality, and lifting of sanctions against Russia. Ukraine, on the other hand, seeks a full withdrawal of Russian troops, return of prisoners, and prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes.
US Involvement and Previous Talks
US President Donald Trump hinted that he would attend the talks if Putin showed up. Previous peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have seen some progress, but ultimately stalled due to disagreements over security guarantees and Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In March 2022, Ukrainian and Russian delegations discussed Ukraine’s neutrality and security guarantees, but ultimately didn’t reach an agreement. Renewed negotiations began in 2025 after Trump’s phone call with Putin, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a primary host country for peace talks.
Key Ukrainian and Russian Positions
- Ukraine’s Position:
- Full withdrawal of Russian troops
- Return of prisoners and kidnapped Ukrainian children
- Prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes
- Security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression
- Russia’s Position:
- Recognition of Russia’s control over occupied territories
- Ukraine’s neutrality
- Lifting of sanctions against Russia
- Guarantee that Ukraine will never join NATO