Russia-Ukraine Direct Talks Begin in Türkiye after more than three years

Negotiating delegation from Russia and Ukraine convened on Friday at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, marking the first direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries in over three years.

May 16, 2025Clash Report

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Ukraine - Russia - Türkiye Trilateral Meeting

ClashReport Editor

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The talks, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, come amid continued skepticism from Western nations about the likelihood of a comprehensive peace agreement.

At the outset, Fidan emphasized Turkey’s role in facilitating the dialogue, stating, “We’re spending great effort in order to end the war. It is important that this meeting may form the basis for a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.”

Trilateral Talks

The meetings included senior officials from all three nations, reflecting the high stakes and complex dynamics at play:

· Turkey: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Chief İbrahim Kalın

·    Russia: Presidential Advisor Vladimir Medinski, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin, Deputy Foreign Minister Mihail Galuzin, and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov

·       Ukraine: Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia, Deputy Head of the Security Service Oleksandr Poklad, and First Deputy Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Oleh Luhovskyi

Turkey’s Push for Peace

Fidan, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the talks as a critical juncture in the broader effort to end the conflict, stating, “We are pleased to see that all sides have shown a strong commitment to peace, opening a new window of opportunity.”

The renewed diplomatic efforts come amid intense international pressure to halt the ongoing conflict, which has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction. While the initial focus remains on establishing a framework for continued dialogue, the path to a sustainable ceasefire and broader political resolution remains uncertain.

Russia-Ukraine Direct Talks Begin in Türkiye after more than three years