Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Stall Amid Calls for Leaders' Summit and Ongoing Attacks

Russia and Ukraine have resumed peace talks in Istanbul, marking the first direct negotiations in nearly two months.

While both sides agreed to a new prisoner swap, little progress was made toward a ceasefire or a high-level summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin, despite Ukraine's repeated proposals. The talks were overshadowed by continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and skepticism from the Kremlin, which insists its war goals must be met before peace. International actors, including the US and Turkey, are involved, but threats of new sanctions and diplomatic pressure have yet to yield a breakthrough.

The humanitarian toll remains high, and prospects for a swift resolution appear dim.