New Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey follow Trump's peace deadline

Russian and Ukrainian delegates have resumed talks in Istanbul, following a 50-day deadline issued by President Trump for Moscow to make peace. Despite the talks, which aim to discuss a ceasefire and were preceded by previous rounds that yielded little progress, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that expectations should be low, stating, “No one expects an easy path.”

Russia continues its military offensive while facing significant casualties, reportedly over 1 million since the invasion began. Trump’s new sanctions threat has added pressure alongside an EU sanctions package. Ukraine's President Zelensky emphasizes that only a direct meeting with Putin can conclude the war.