Ukraine and Russia Resume Peace Talks Amid Low Hopes for Breakthrough

Ukraine and Russia have restarted direct peace talks in Istanbul, marking the first such negotiations in over seven weeks.

Despite the renewed dialogue, expectations for significant progress remain low, as both sides continue to hold firm to their core demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face to secure a lasting peace, while the Kremlin insists that its objectives in Ukraine must be met before any settlement. The talks are taking place under international pressure, including from the US, and against a backdrop of ongoing violence and civilian casualties.

Key issues on the table include a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and the return of abducted children, but both parties warn that a 'miraculous breakthrough' is unlikely.