At a second round of direct peace talks since 2022, Russia presented sweeping demands to Ukraine, including territorial concessions and demilitarization, conditions Kyiv swiftly rejected as tantamount to surrender.

During the brief meeting in Istanbul, Russian negotiators delivered a memorandum demanding Ukraine relinquish Crimea and four occupied regions, formally exit NATO ambitions, and legalize protections for Russian speakers. Moscow also wants bans on “Nazism glorification” and elections within 100 days under ceasefire conditions.

Two ceasefire options were offered: a full Ukrainian withdrawal from contested regions or a freeze on all military aid and operations. Both were dismissed as unacceptable by Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine Holds Firm, Cites War Crimes, Child Deportations

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that Kyiv would review the proposal but ruled out accepting Russian territorial claims. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called Russia’s list of 400 abducted Ukrainian children a key issue; Russia agreed to consider returning only 10.

Kyiv’s roadmap insists on no limits to its military, no recognition of Russian-annexed regions, and calls for reparations. Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance: “We are not going to surrender and are not going to give in to any ultimatums.”

Erdogan Pushes for Trump-Led Mediation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the talks as “a great meeting” and proposed hosting a high-level summit in Turkey with Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy. U.S. officials warned they may withdraw from mediation unless progress is shown.

Despite limited results, the sides agreed on exchanging severely wounded prisoners and the remains of 12,000 soldiers.

Ukraine Hits Russian Bombers in Siberia

As talks unfolded, Ukraine launched Operation “Spider’s Web,” deploying 117 drones to attack Russian nuclear-capable bombers deep in Siberia. The strikes damaged key aircraft and were hailed by Western analysts as a bold strategic success.

Neither the U.S. nor UK were informed in advance. Zelenskiy said the attack restored confidence in Ukraine’s capabilities: “We do not want to fight, but the enemy does not want to stop.”