Fri May 16 00:30:43 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Russia and Ukraine to Hold Direct Peace Talks Amidst Low Expectations**

**ANKARA, Turkey – May 16, 2025** – After three years of conflict, Russia and Ukraine are set to engage in direct peace negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, beginning Friday, but hopes for a significant breakthrough remain low. The talks follow a flurry of diplomatic activity spearheaded by the Trump administration, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sending a delegation led by his Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, to meet with a Russian team.

The move comes after Zelenskyy publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to a face-to-face meeting in Turkey, which Putin ultimately declined. Zelenskyy accused Moscow of not taking the negotiations seriously by sending a lower-level delegation comprised of representatives that are not decision makers.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Istanbul and will meet with the Ukrainian delegation and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Rubio will also be meeting the Russian delegation with members of the U.S. Team and he hopes that all parties will meet. Rubio tempered expectations for the talks, stating that a meaningful breakthrough is only likely with direct involvement from Presidents Trump and Putin.

Despite the low expectations, both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, stated the goal is to establish long-term peace.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of military casualties and over 12,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths. With Russian forces reportedly preparing a fresh offensive, the urgency for a peaceful resolution is high. International pressure on Russia continues to mount, with the potential for intensified sanctions if progress is not made.

The diplomatic efforts began following calls from European leaders for a ceasefire. While President Trump has stated he believes a meeting between himself and President Putin is crucial, the Kremlin has indicated that such a meeting is not planned.

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