First Direct Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Years End Without Breakthrough

Turkey Hosts First Direct Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Years Istanbul, Turkey – May 16, 2025 – In a significant development, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in over three years in Istanbul, Turkey. The talks, facilitated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, took place at the historic Dolmabahce Palace. While the meeting lasted less than two hours and yielded no immediate breakthroughs, the very fact of the meeting is being hailed as a positive step. "Every day of delay causes more lives to be lost," Foreign Minister Fidan stated during a press briefing following the talks, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a ceasefire. "We must seize this opportunity to move forward on the path to peace." The talks focused on finding a path towards a lasting ceasefire and addressing the core issues of the conflict. Observers noted the tense atmosphere, but also the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue. The outcome of these talks will be closely monitored by the international community, as they represent a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict. The resumption of direct talks, however brief, offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has devastated Ukraine and caused widespread international concern.