However, neither Ukraine nor Russia expect much of a diplomatic "flap" at this meeting.
A source from the Russian delegation confirmed to TASS news agency that the negotiations would begin immediately after the two sides arrived in Istanbul tonight. The Russian delegation was led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while the Ukrainian delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
The 14-member Ukrainian delegation departed from Kiev, according to Hromadske, citing information from the Office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The negotiations are scheduled to begin at around 7pm Kiev time (ie 11pm Vietnam time).
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the public not to expect too much of the outcome of this round of talks.
Let it be. The Ukrainian crisis is too complicated to expect an immediate breakthrough. As long as the two sides can agree to exchange prisoners or repatriate victims' bodies, it will be a great success," said Mr. Peskov.
Mr. Peskov affirmed that Russia will continue to pursue the goals set from the beginning and will not back down from international pressure.
Istanbul has been the venue for two direct talks between Russia and Ukraine this year, on May 16 and June 2, 2025, respectively. During those meetings, the two sides reached an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners and committed to returning those who were arrested as young people (under 25 years old) or were seriously ill.
However, since then, the tension has continued to escalate. Russia has stepped up its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, while Kiev has repeatedly called on the West to provide arms. Although the two sides have repeatedly communicated indirectly through intermediary channels such as the United Nations and Turkey, the peace process is still at a standstill.
Turkey's fact that Istanbul has once again become a meeting point for the two delegations shows that Turkey still plays a special role in its efforts to mediate mediation. President Recep Tayyip Putin has repeatedly affirmed his desire to "make a bridge for dialogue" and bring the two sides back to negotiation.
However, according to many experts, the prospects for negotiations are still very uncertain as both Russia and Ukraine are preparing for summer counterattacks, while mutual trust is almost zero.
