Donald Trump wants peace. But sometimes he needs to act firmly in order to get it.
And a major war could be nearing the end after Trump turns up the heat in a big way.
Russia and Ukraine Rekindle Peace Talks in Istanbul
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will gather in Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace on Wednesday, marking their first attempt at peace talks in over seven weeks. The meeting comes as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Moscow, warning of stringent new sanctions if a deal isn’t secured soon.
The Kremlin has kept expectations modest, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, “Naturally, no one expects an easy road. Naturally, this will be a very difficult conversation. The projects (of the two sides) are diametrically opposed.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, has stressed the importance of laying the groundwork for a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Kyiv sees as pivotal for progress.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source added, “The Ukrainian delegation has come to Turkey prepared to take significant steps toward peace and a full ceasefire, but everything will depend on whether the Russian side is willing to take a constructive approach.”
Scheduled to begin at 1600 GMT with opening remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the talks follow earlier meetings on May 16 and June 2, which facilitated prisoner swaps and the return of fallen soldiers’ remains but fell short of resolving the conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Tensions have surged recently. Trump, having repaired his relationship with Zelensky after a public spat in February, has grown increasingly impatient with Putin.
Last week, he issued a 50-day deadline for a peace agreement, threatening heavy sanctions on Russia and its trading partners. Financial markets, however, doubt his commitment.
Sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin remains unmoved, intent on fighting until the West accepts his terms, which could grow as Russian forces advance.
On the battlefield, Russia claimed control of Varachyne in Ukraine’s Sumy region, part of Putin’s strategy to establish a buffer zone after Ukraine’s bold incursion into Russian territory last year. Reuters could not confirm the report.
Russia has also intensified airstrikes on Kyiv, while Ukraine struck back, notably damaging Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet with drone attacks last month.
Zelensky outlined key priorities for the talks: securing the release of prisoners, addressing the alleged abduction of children by Russia, and preparing for a Putin summit.
Russia denies the abductions and questions Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing Ukraine’s suspension of elections under martial law. Putin has previously declined a direct meeting.
In their last meeting on June 2, Russia presented demands including Ukraine’s withdrawal from four claimed regions, limits on its military, improved rights in Ukraine for Russian-speakers, and neutral status outside NATO.
Zelensky called these terms an ultimatum, akin to surrender. Ukraine, in contrast, seeks an immediate ceasefire, reparations, global security guarantees, and full military autonomy.
With the Kremlin cautioning against expecting “miracles,” the path to peace remains fraught as both sides navigate deep divisions.
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