Russia Announces Readiness to Resume Peace Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

Istanbul has once again been identified as the potential venue for renewed peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, as Moscow declared it is ready to resume talks — though Kyiv disputes the narrative that it is responsible for the stalemate.

Moscow’s offer

On 12 November 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry, via state news agency TASS, quoted official Alexei Polishchuk saying: “The Russian team is ready for this, the ball is in the Ukrainian court.”
He noted that no face-to-face negotiations have taken place since the previous meeting in Istanbul on 23 July, which lasted only 40 minutes
Meanwhile, Russian chargé d’affaires in Türkiye, Alexey Ivanov, reinforced that the Istanbul platform remains open and available — but awaits Kyiv’s response.

Kyiv’s position

Ukraine, however, rejects the assertion that it is causing the delay. The Ukrainian side contends that Russia’s conditions and lack of political will have impeded meaningful progress.
While Ukrainian officials have traveled to Türkiye, including Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, to pursue prisoner exchange talks, they maintain that broader negotiations cannot move forward without clarity and genuine commitment from Moscow.

Why Istanbul again?

Istanbul has emerged as a recurring venue for diplomacy because of its strategic position between Ukraine and Russia, plus Türkiye’s role as mediator. Previous rounds this year have resulted in limited humanitarian outcomes, such as prisoner exchanges, but no full-scale peace agreement.
Russia proposes forming three online working groups – covering political, military and humanitarian topics – yet Ukraine alleges these are delaying tactics.

Stakes and implications

• War continuation: With the conflict entering its fourth year, renewed talks could signal a shift, but many analysts caution that Moscow’s readiness may be conditional and strategic rather than sincere.
• International involvement: Türkiye remains in the spotlight as a mediator. Western allies are watching closely — any movement in negotiations could influence wider support and sanctions.
• On-the-ground impact: For Ukrainians at the front, the talk of diplomacy may offer hope, yet they remain exposed to continued military operations while negotiations stall.

Outlook

For now, the situation remains in limbo. Russia’s public readiness sets a stage, but without Kyiv’s clear consent and transparent engagement, the reflections of progress may remain symbolic. Time will tell whether Istanbul becomes the site of substantive negotiations — or another pause in a long-running dialogue.