Overview

• Delegations from Russia and Ukraine convened in Istanbul on May 16 for their first direct peace talks in over three years, with Turkey hosting and the U.S. participating in mediation efforts.
• The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian side is represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, reflecting the absence of Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin.
• Russia demands to retain occupied territories, including Crimea and recently annexed regions, and seeks guarantees barring Ukraine from NATO membership.
• Ukraine insists on a full and unconditional ceasefire covering all combat zones and is seeking robust security guarantees from Western allies to deter future aggression.
• Both sides entered negotiations with low expectations, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials emphasized the significant divide in positions and the limited likelihood of immediate breakthroughs.