Despite a new round of talks between Russia and Ukraine set for Wednesday in Istanbul, both nations have rejected each other's proposals, indicating that a breakthrough is unlikely.
Russia-Ukraine Negotiations: Hope for Peace Dims as Talks Resume in Istanbul

Russia-Ukraine Negotiations: Hope for Peace Dims as Talks Resume in Istanbul
Expectations are low as Russia and Ukraine prepare for another round of negotiations in Istanbul, with both sides dismissing each other's demands.
Russian and Ukrainian officials are gearing up for a diplomatic meeting on Wednesday in Istanbul, with the goal of discussing potential peace amid ongoing conflict. This will be the third meeting since representatives were persuaded to engage by the Trump administration back in May. However, both nations have signaled that expectations for a significant outcome are quite low.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov stated, “There is no basis to expect any magical breakthroughs,” placing a dampening effect on the hopes for a resolution amidst the ongoing hostilities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, will be attending the talks, which Turkey has affirmed will take place as scheduled.
While Ukraine has stepped up its commitment to negotiations, detailed statements from Russia remain scarce, with Peskov merely confirming the timeframe without revealing specifics about the participants. As both parties prepare to sit at the negotiating table, the broader context remains one of entrenched positions and mutual distrust, leading many observers to believe that any progress towards peace is unlikely in the current environment. The prospect of meaningful dialogue remains overshadowed by rejection and skepticism from both sides.