In the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022, held in Istanbul, Russian negotiators demanded that Ukraine withdraw its forces from four key regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—before agreeing to a ceasefire, according to a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the talks.

The 100-minute meeting resulted only in a mutual agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, with no timeline set. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned a Russian drone attack that killed nine civilians in Sumy, urging stronger international sanctions.

Western leaders, including from the U.S., UK, France, and the EU, criticized Russia's stance as non-serious and continued to advocate for tougher measures. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump applied pressure on both parties to end what he called a "stupid war," stating that further U.S. mediation hinges on substantive progress.

Russia has expressed willingness for high-level meetings, including with Trump and potentially Zelenskiy, but only if preliminary agreements are in place. Turkey, which hosted the talks, remains committed to mediating. Despite intensified sanctions and diplomatic efforts, the impasse continues as fundamental disagreements persist.

The Kremlin declined to comment on the terms put forward at the meeting, emphasizing the need for confidentiality in ongoing negotiations. However, it indicated that President Vladimir Putin might be open to a future meeting with President Zelenskiy, contingent upon reaching preliminary agreements.

As the conflict persists, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that diplomatic efforts may eventually lead to a resolution.