Expectations low as Ukraine and Russia hold new round of talks in Istanbul

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators on Wednesday began the first direct discussions between the warring sides in more than seven weeks. Moscow played down expectations of any breakthrough at the meeting in Istanbul, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this week should focus in part on preparing a summit between himself and Russia's Vladimir Putin. 

Jul 24, 2025 - 08:03
Expectations low as Ukraine and Russia hold new round of talks in Istanbul
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators on Wednesday began the first direct discussions between the warring sides in more than seven weeks. Moscow played down expectations of any breakthrough at the meeting in Istanbul, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this week should focus in part on preparing a summit between himself and Russia's Vladimir Putin.