Overview

• Russia and Ukraine conducted their first direct talks since 2022 in Istanbul, agreeing to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap but achieving no broader diplomatic breakthroughs.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no follow-up peace talks have been scheduled, citing unresolved territorial demands as a major obstacle.
• Drone warfare has escalated significantly, with Russia claiming to have intercepted over 300 Ukrainian drones in two days, including attacks near Moscow.
• U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts, including a call with Vladimir Putin, have yet to yield concrete progress toward a ceasefire or peace framework.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested Trump’s presence at future talks could encourage Putin to participate, but Moscow continues to press for territorial concessions as a precondition.