15.05.2025 11:54
The world is focused on the Russia-Ukraine summit that will take place today in Istanbul. As the delegations from the two countries prepare to sit down at the table for the first time in three years, the demands of both sides regarding the process are also noteworthy. So, what do Turkey and the United States, which are hosting the negotiations, want in addition to Ukraine and Russia? What is the current status of the peace talks? Here is the answer to the question that many are curious about.
The messages from both sides regarding the end of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has deeply affected global politics and the security environment, have increased hopes. For the first time in three years, delegations from the two countries will sit down at the table today in Istanbul.
At this point in the Ukraine-Russia war, the positions of the parties are significant in terms of showing the next stages of the process.
UKRAINE WANTS A CEASEFIRE FIRST
In evaluations made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is emphasized that both warring parties are worn out and tired, and they want the hot war to end in this context. It is also noted that after Donald Trump took office in the U.S., the parties have been less willing to continue the war.
Ukraine believes that a comprehensive ceasefire must begin to start possible peace talks with Russia. Leading European countries also support Kiev's position. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders state that it is not possible to talk about peace in an environment where the war is ongoing and civilians' lives are affected, and they assert that Russia must comply with a 30-day ceasefire as a sign of its sincere commitment to peace talks.
Ukraine seeks security guarantees to regain its territories occupied by Russia and to avoid facing similar incidents in the future, in an environment where weapons are silenced. Among Ukraine's expectations regarding security guarantees are its EU and NATO memberships and the deployment of foreign forces to monitor peace. Ukraine also wants war reparations from Russia to ensure the country's reconstruction.
RUSSIA WANTS NEGOTIATIONS FIRST, THEN A CEASEFIRE
In contrast to Ukraine, Russia believes that a ceasefire should be declared as a result of negotiations. Russia thinks it has military superiority, especially after repelling Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, and believes it is in a more advantageous position on the ground.
In evaluations made in Moscow, there are concerns that the ceasefire process will be seen as an opportunity for Ukraine's worn-out military units to regroup and prepare for a new attack. Therefore, Russia believes that the talks in Istanbul should start unconditionally, and a ceasefire should be declared according to the course of negotiations between the parties. Russia does not want to withdraw from Crimea, which it occupied and annexed in 2014, as well as from the Donbass region of Ukraine. Moscow also notes that one of the outcomes of the agreement reached at the end of the negotiations should be the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the West. Additionally, preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and ensuring that the alliance does not pose a threat to Russia are among Moscow's priorities.
THE U.S. WANTS AN AGREEMENT IMMEDIATELY
Trump stated during his campaign and in all his statements after winning the election that reaching an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war is among his priorities. After signing a rare earth elements agreement with Zelensky at the White House following discussions, Trump sent a message to the Moscow administration that the only way to end the war is through a permanent agreement.
While doing all this, Trump stated that he is realizing his vision of being a "peace-bringing" leader, as he often emphasized in his public statements. He also conveyed the message that if these steps do not yield results, the strongest sanctions would be imposed on the party continuing the war.
TURKEY WANTS TO BE A REGIONAL PEACE CENTER
Turkey, which wants to host the meetings, sees the possible peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as an important opportunity in terms of its regional and global weight. In addition to President Erdoğan's personal relationship with U.S. President Trump, being one of the few leaders who can directly contact Zelensky and Putin is also one of the advantages Turkey wants to leverage.
Since the war began in February 2022, Turkey has been active in efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia war. The foreign ministers of the two countries met in Antalya just weeks after the war began and agreed to continue discussions in Istanbul on a peace plan. However, this initiative did not yield results.
In 2022, Turkey also initiated an effort to transport Ukrainian and Russian grains to global markets. As a result of negotiations conducted with the support of the UN, the Black Sea grain initiative began to be implemented in July 2022, and a total of 33 million tons of grain were delivered to global markets within a year. However, the initiative was suspended in the summer of 2023 due to Russia's inability to sell its own grain products in global markets. Nevertheless, Turkey continues to propose different suggestions to ensure the continuation of sales of products from leading grain producers Russia and Ukraine. Turkey intends to maintain its influence in the region as a peace hub through hosting peace talks and practical solutions like the grain initiative.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE ISTANBUL MEETING
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the period with the strongest hopes for the end of the war is being experienced. The most significant factor in the revival of this hope has been U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to contact both sides and his strong messages to guide them towards peace since he took office on January 20.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a statement on May 10 that Moscow is ready for talks and called for negotiations to resume in Istanbul on May 15. Hours after Putin's call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he positively responded to Putin's call and was ready to meet directly with the Russian leader in Istanbul.
Support for these exciting statements regarding the end of the war, which has lasted for more than three years, also came from U.S. President Donald Trump. While on a tour in the Middle East, Trump said that if Putin agrees to meet with Zelensky, he would also be willing to go to Istanbul. However, after it was announced that Putin would not go to Istanbul, U.S. officials announced that Trump would also not be going to Istanbul.