Fact Check: Did Russia and Ukraine Hold Peace Talks in Istanbul in May 2025?

Claim:

Russians and Ukrainians met in Istanbul in May 2025 for their first direct peace talks in over three years.

Fact Check Summary:

Yes, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul in May 2025 for the first time since 2022. The meeting was facilitated by Turkey and attended by mid-level officials from both sides. While U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to advance the process, no immediate breakthrough occurred during the talks.

Verdict: True

Fact Check Explanation:

What Happened?
On May 16, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met face-to-face at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace. This was their first direct peace negotiation since March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The meeting was held under Turkish mediation, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressing the importance of a ceasefire and a path toward peace.

Delegations and Key Demands:

• Ukraine’s team included officials in military fatigues and demanded:
  • A 30-day ceasefire
  • Return of abducted children
  • Exchange of prisoners of war
• Russia reiterated its openness to talks but warned against Ukraine using a ceasefire to regroup militarily.

Who Else Was Involved?

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg were also in Istanbul during the negotiations.
• Trump stated he would meet Putin “as soon as they can arrange it” to push for a resolution.

Why It Matters:
Although expectations for a major breakthrough were low, the resumption of talks is significant after years of stalled diplomacy. It shows renewed international pressure—especially from the U.S.—to end the war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.

What’s Next?
Despite the talks, no ceasefire or agreement was reached. Russia continues military advances, and Ukraine remains firm in rejecting territorial concessions or abandoning NATO ambitions.