Third round of negotiations between Russia, Ukraine in Istanbul lasts less than hour

(MENAFN) The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul lasted less than an hour, offering little hope of progress. Although both sides came prepared with talking points, their core positions remained deeply opposed.

Ukraine pressed for an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and a possible summit between Presidents Zelensky and Putin—demands that Moscow saw as lacking clear structure. Russia countered with a proposal for talks on three fronts: military, political, and humanitarian, suggesting localized ceasefires to allow evacuations. Yet, without agreement on fundamental issues, even coordinating humanitarian efforts was unattainable.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that the parties remain “far apart” on essential agreements needed to enable direct dialogue between the leaders, adding that the significant work ahead makes it difficult to envision a sudden breakthrough.

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