Istanbul Peace Talks: Small Steps, Wide Gap in Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Istanbul Yield Limited Progress, but Prisoner Exchange Offers Hope ISTANBUL, Turkey – On May 16, 2025, a brief meeting between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul offered limited progress in the ongoing conflict. The talks, lasting only two hours, fell short of expectations for a major breakthrough. However, a significant prisoner exchange was agreed upon, potentially involving thousands of individuals, marking the largest such exchange since the war began. "What has become clear is that the gulf between the two sides remains as wide as ever," stated Alex Rossi, Sky News International Correspondent, in a report on the meeting. The lack of senior Russian officials at the talks, including the absence of Vladimir Putin, further highlighted the limited nature of the progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly challenged Putin to a face-to-face meeting, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to peace and the importance of continued US support. Despite the limited progress, the prisoner exchange represents a small step toward de-escalation and provides a basis for continued diplomatic efforts. The future of the peace process, however, remains uncertain and hinges on increased international engagement.