The next bilateral meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul was not aimed at achieving a result that would end the war. As in the previous meeting, the sides agreed on the exchange of a group of prisoners. Other agreements remain problematic.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by political analyst Elkhan Shahinoglu while commenting on the Russia–Ukraine talks held in Istanbul.

He emphasized that peace between the two countries is not near:

“Peace is still a long way off. U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russia 50 days to reach a ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine are preparing for what comes after the 50th day. The Kremlin is trying to occupy as much Ukrainian territory as possible within that time, while Ukraine’s army aims to increase Russian losses. It is unlikely that the Russian military will reach the administrative borders of four Ukrainian regions within 50 days. Therefore, it is predicted that the sanctions promised by Trump against Russia will come into effect. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress is discussing a resolution to impose sanctions on countries that purchase oil from Russia. A number of European countries have also increased the number of military equipment deliveries to Kyiv to support Ukraine’s resistance.”

Despite the ongoing war, the Istanbul contacts remain important. The sides are at least managing to resolve certain humanitarian issues. The meetings in Istanbul have strengthened Turkey’s role as a mediator. In a few days, European and Iranian representatives will gather in Istanbul to discuss Iran’s nuclear issue. If Russia and Ukraine ever agree on a ceasefire or eventually sign a peace treaty, the likely venue for signing such a document will be Istanbul. However, the time for that has not yet come.