Russia and Ukraine Set to Resume Negotiations in Istanbul Today

The third round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is set to commence today in Istanbul. According to the press service of the Turkish presidential administration, talks will begin at 19:00 local time. This meeting follows previous discussions held in May and June, which were mediated by Ankara. Key topics on the agenda include prisoner exchanges, the return of children, and potential steps towards a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously confirmed that the meeting was scheduled for July 23, although the Russian side has yet to officially acknowledge this date, leaving its status uncertain. Turkish sources indicate that preparations for the talks have been ongoing for several weeks, with delegations from both sides already present in Istanbul. Local authorities have increased security in the area to ensure a conducive environment for dialogue.

During the discussions, the parties are expected to address critical issues such as demilitarization and security guarantees. However, previous rounds have not yielded significant breakthroughs. Ukrainian media expresses cautious optimism that Turkey’s role as a neutral mediator may help facilitate progress, despite the ongoing lack of consensus between Kyiv and Moscow.