June 26, 2025
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the Russian conditions as tantamount to surrender
With no sign that the two sides are any closer to a deal, the mood in Russia was angry as the talks kicked off in Istanbul
The two sides are to meet in Istanbul for their second round of direct peace talks since 2022
Trump raised the idea of Pope Leo hosting peace talks, while Vatican has not publicly commented on his idea
Under pressure from Trump to end the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War Two, delegates from the warring countries meet for the first time since March 2022
The absence of the Russian and US presidents at the peace talks in Istanbul lowers the expectations for a major breakthrough in the war
Putin proposes talks on May 15 in Istanbul and says talks will seek a durable peace
Zelensky says Ukraine will not recognise Russia's occupation of the Crimea
