Russia Claims Control of Multiple Ukrainian Settlements Amid Ceasefire Demands, Direct Talks Expected in Turkey

Direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia resumed in Istanbul, Turkey, marking the first such meetings since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. Russia demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from several regions as a condition for a ceasefire, demands Ukraine and its allies consider unrealistic and detached from reality. Russian forces claimed to have captured multiple settlements in eastern Ukraine amid ongoing intense combat along a lengthy frontline, although Ukraine has not confirmed these claims. Russian officials framed the talks as a continuation of the disrupted peace process with the goal of securing lasting peace by addressing root causes of the conflict, while Kyiv insists on an unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite. Ukrainian President Zelensky did not attend the negotiations but sent a delegation, and Russian President Putin was also not present. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, participated in related diplomatic engagements, expressing hope for progress despite the challenging dynamics.