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Russian and Ukrainian delegations will convene Monday afternoon for their second round of direct negotiations since 2022, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan leading the mediation effort at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will chair the 1 p.m. meeting, with his opening remarks set to be broadcast live. National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Ibrahim Kalin is also expected to participate in the Turkish-mediated discussions.
The talks represent Türkiye's continued role as mediator between the warring parties, building on the success of initial negotiations held in May.
Russia's delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to the Russian president, alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) chief Igor Kostyukov.
Ukraine's team comprises Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Security Service Chief Oleksandr Poklad, and First Deputy Foreign Intelligence Service Head Oleh Luhovskyi.
The initial peace discussions took place on May 16 at Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Working Office, resulting in agreement on a "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner exchange that was completed in subsequent days. However, no broader peace solution emerged, with each side presenting only their negotiating positions.
Ukraine seeks a 30-day ceasefire before negotiations begin, while Russia wants progress in talks before declaring any cease-fire.
The diplomatic efforts come after Sunday's major Ukrainian drone operation targeting Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers and military bases. Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 472 unmanned aerial vehicles in response—the highest single-day drone total of the war.
Putin previously said Russia would draft a memorandum outlining a potential peace agreement's framework before discussing any ceasefire. Kyiv said over the weekend it was still awaiting the draft memorandum from Russia, while Kremlin chief negotiator Medinsky said Sunday that Moscow had received Ukraine's draft memorandum.
The Istanbul meetings represent the highest-level direct contact between the warring parties in nearly three years of conflict.
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