Peace talks in Istanbul: Ukraine and Russia meet!

Peace talks in Istanbul: Ukraine and Russia meet!

Istanbul, Türkei - On June 2, 2025, direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine began in Istanbul at the end of the war. In the Ciragan Palace, delegations of both sides met under the Turkish leadership. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pointed out that the discussions of clarifying conditions and perspectives should serve for an armistice, the exchange of prisoners and an upcoming summit at the highest level. Both sides had already formulated separately claims, which, however, deviate significantly. Ukraine calls for an internationally monitored, unconditional 30-day ceasefire as the basis for peace negotiations based on a proposal of the USA.

Russia, in turn, combines a possible ceasefire with concrete conditions, which, among other things, result in the waiver of Ukraine to western arms deliveries and the adjustment of their mobilization. Russia fears that Ukraine could use a fire break to become militarily stronger. These negotiations have been considered the second since mid -May; At the first meeting, the greatest prisoner exchange has been agreed since the conflict began, each with 1,000 detained. As a result of intensive clashes before the negotiations, there were considerable victims on both sides.

historical context of the negotiations

The first ceasefire negotiations for the Russian attack war against Ukraine took place in spring 2022, but ended without result. By February 2025 there were no bilateral peace negotiations. At that time, Donald Trump initiated new mediation efforts that initially took place between the US and Russia, but without the desired success. There were first failed conversations under Saudi mediation. In addition, the EU has requested its role in the negotiations and plans to improve defense ability.

On March 18, 2025, the defense of territorial integrity in the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany was anchored. In the meantime, Ukraine maintains its demand to keep its state sovereignty and territorial demands, which also includes the recovery of all areas occupied by Russia, such as Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Cherson and Saporischschja. Ukraine is aiming for NATO membership in the long term, even if it currently has no view of joining.

Current geopolitical developments

The USA and Europe support the position of Ukraine. Ukraine insists on being involved in direct peace talks, while Russia is not willing to make concessions and reject the occupied areas. The attitude of Russia, which is shaped by the demand for the "demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine, among other things, makes the conversations considerably more difficult. In addition, the US government expects to avoid certain concessions from Ukraine to avoid territorial losses.

The fights have been intensified in the past few weeks, but the international community hopes for progress in ongoing negotiations. A special summit of the European Union is scheduled for March 6 to clarify the support of Ukraine and questions about European security. This could also have an impact on the negotiations in Istanbul that are under strong international interest.