17 Oct 2026
The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has started in Istanbul
On June 2, 2025, the second
round of peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations began in
Istanbul. The main topic of the meeting is discussing the conditions for a
ceasefire and exploring options for a sustainable peaceful resolution to the
conflict, which has now been ongoing for more than three years.
The
negotiations are being held with the mediation of Turkey, which has actively
positioned itself as a neutral platform since the beginning of the conflict.
According to sources, the parties are discussing the possibility of
establishing demilitarized zones, humanitarian corridors, and mechanisms for
international monitoring.
The
Ukrainian side, according to preliminary reports, insists on a return to the
1991 borders and on international security guarantees, while the Russian
delegation emphasizes the need to "account for new realities" and the
interests of residents in southeastern Ukraine.
The
start of this second round of talks may indicate a shift in focus—from
full-scale military actions toward diplomatic initiatives. However, continued
skepticism on both sides, especially following recent large-scale drone
attacks, highlights the fragile basis for any agreements.
A breakthrough in negotiations
will only be possible if there is serious international pressure and a genuine
willingness from both sides to make real compromises rather than issue formal
statements. In the coming days, much will depend on whether even draft
agreements can be reached in Istanbul.
Latest news
Latest newsBulgaria Asks NATO to Strengthen Its Defences Amid Black Sea Threats: Sofia Fears Growing Risks to Maritime Shipping
16.Oct.2026
Black Sea Shipping Risks Threaten Bulgaria’s 5 Million Tonnes of Wheat Exports
15.Oct.2026
Georgia’s Foreign Funding and Political Ban Laws Draw Criticism from the Venice Commission
15.Oct.2026
Kazakhstan Promotes a Caspian Green Energy Corridor: Astana Seeks New Routes to the European Market
14.Oct.2026
Inflation in Romania Accelerates to 6.61%: Rising Prices Increase Pressure on Households and the Economy
13.Oct.2026
Can Europe Protect the International Criminal Court from Trump’s Sanctions?
13.Oct.2026
Georgia’s Constitutional Court Continues Case on Banning Opposition Parties: Political Pluralism at Stake
12.Oct.2026
Azerbaijan and Iran Step Up Security Contacts Amid Hijab Protests
12.Oct.2026
Personnel Shortages Complicate Ukrainian Forces’ Rotation: Ukraine Faces Long-Term Challenges on the Front Line
11.Oct.2026
Trump Eases Sanctions on Russian Fuel After Talks with Putin: Kyiv Fears Boost to Moscow’s War Revenues
10.Oct.2026
Putin Seeks to Strengthen Russia’s Influence in the Post-Soviet Space Through the CIS
10.Oct.2026
Russia and the South Caucasus: External Pressure, Political Competition and a Crisis of Trust
10.Oct.2026
Peaceful Settlement Between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Moving from Declarations to Implementation
10.Oct.2026
Moldova Ready to Accept as Many Ukrainians as Necessary if Situation Worsens This Winter
09.Oct.2026
Turkmenistan Turns Avaza into a Regional Diplomatic Hub as Caspian, Central Asian and CIS Agendas Converge
08.Oct.2026