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Istanbul Peace Talks: What to Expect From the Third Round of Ukraine–Russia Negotiations
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to meet in Istanbul for a third round of negotiations aimed at ending Moscow’s war against Ukraine, with discussions reportedly covering ceasefire terms, security guarantees, and humanitarian corridors.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations are expected to meet in Istanbul for a third round of negotiations, with humanitarian issues and potential steps toward a peace settlement on the agenda, on July 23.
The meeting is being hosted with mediation from Türkiye, following two earlier rounds that revealed wide gaps between the sides.
Delegations and Priorities
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the date, noting that Umerov had briefed him on preparations for the upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Russia’s support for renewed talks, although he did not confirm a specific date—Russian media had speculated July 24–25 as possible.
I received reports on the completed stages of prisoner exchanges and those currently being prepared. We expect several rounds of exchanges to be carried out in accordance with the agreements reached at the second meeting in Istanbul. We are also continuing other efforts to secure… pic.twitter.com/VSPa7TkTtJ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2025
Ukraine’s delegation includes senior officials from military intelligence, the Foreign Ministry, and the President’s Office. A presidential decree published ahead of the talks confirmed the full 14-member lineup, including:
Presidential adviser Oleksandr Bevz
Deputy Navy Staff Commander Oleksandr Dyakov
First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia
Deputy heads of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the General Staff, and military intelligence
Legal experts and protocol officers from the Armed Forces
Russia’s delegation remains unchanged from previous rounds, led by Medinsky, according to the Kremlin.
President Zelenskyy outlined three primary goals for the talks: the return of Ukrainian POWs, the return of children abducted and taken to Russia, and preparations for a direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia’s leaders.
“Our agenda is clear—return of prisoners, return of the children abducted by Russia, and preparing a summit of leaders,” Zelenskyy said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine remains open to a substantive dialogue aimed at ending the war and securing a ceasefire. He also reiterated the need for a strategic-level discussion between presidents.
Moscow’s position: low Expectations, diverging documents
While Moscow has not publicly detailed its priorities, Peskov said the delegations are expected to discuss draft memoranda previously exchanged—though he acknowledged their content is “diametrically opposed.”
“To reach a compromise, significant diplomatic work will be required,” Peskov said, tempering expectations and dismissing the possibility of any “miraculous breakthroughs.”
Earlier, a senior Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that while modalities are still being discussed, “there will be no compromise on sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
