Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia: Where is the breakthrough?

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia: Where is the breakthrough?

Istanbul, Türkei - On June 3, 2025, the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are still on the brink. Three weeks ago, the first direct meeting of the warring parties took place in Istanbul since 2022, which followed a second round of talks on Monday, which, however, remained without any significant results. Ukraine demands an internationally monitored, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days as a prerequisite for further negotiations, while Russia rejects this requirement as inconvenient. The Russian side fears that Kiev could use the fire break to reorganize itself.

In the negotiations in Istanbul, the Russians suggested two variants for a ceasefire. The first variant provides for a complete deduction of the Ukrainian troops from the annexed areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Saporischschja and Cherson. Control over these regions has already been moved significantly in favor of Russia, with the Russian troops of Luhansk almost completely checking and about 70 percent. Cherson and Saporischschja are only controlled by Russia, while the area capitals are still under Ukrainian control. The second variant of Russia demands an end to the fight along the current front course, combined with the condition that Ukraine stops its mobilization and no longer receives foreign weapons.

prisoner exchange and upcoming steps

Despite the disagreement regarding the ceasefire, there is progress with regard to the exchange of prisoners of war. In the first round of the discussion on May 16, the greatest prisoner exchange of the war was agreed, which included 1,000 prisoners. Another exchange between the two sides was agreed on Monday, in which prisoners of war between the ages of 18 and 25 and seriously injured or sick prisoners are included.

Ukrainian representatives have already announced that the Russians' “memorandum” that contains demands for a possible peace solution. This includes the recognition of the regions occupied by Russia as a Russian territory and the abolition of all economic sanctions against Russia. In addition, Russia demands that Ukraine remain neutral and not join NATO. So far, however, all maximum claims have been rejected in the past.

political flashbacks and international reactions

The discussion about peace negotiations is burdened by mutual blame. While the Kremlin claims that Kiev is hindered by a law by law, Ukraine argues that pressure on Russia should be exerted to enable negotiations. A DW fact check makes it clear that there is no Ukrainian law that prohibits negotiations with Russia. In a BBC interview, the Ukrainian President Selenskyj himself emphasized the need to put pressure on Russia to reach an agreement.

International diplomats, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are behind the desire for a rapid peace, while experts like Wolfgang Ischinger point out that a successful negotiation is only possible if both sides recognize that military means are not expedient. Another proposal for setting up the conflict came from the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who brought a summit with the leaders of both countries and the former US President Trump to create a "center of peace" in Istanbul.

The peace talks in Istanbul show that despite the existing conflicts, there is movement in the negotiations. However, it remains to be seen whether these lead to a sustainable peace in view of the complexity of the conversations and the required long -term efforts. It is to be hoped that the parties will approach each other in the near future and open a successful dialogue.

rp online reports that the peace negotiations face challenges, while br The developments around the prisoner exchange. Additional insights to the negotiations provides dw , which analyze the complicated situation between the two countries.