As fresh peace talks in Istanbul loom on the horizon, Moscow has laid out exactly what it wants to bring to the table—but it’s not holding its breath. According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia remains open to meaningful negotiations with Ukraine, but doubts whether Kiev is truly ready to engage.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ryabkov said that Russia hopes to use the meeting to push for a “durable settlement” to the ongoing conflict. That includes, unsurprisingly, official recognition of the territories Russia now claims as its own—namely, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye, which joined Russia after referendums in 2022. Crimea, of course, has been part of Moscow’s narrative since it was annexed in 2014 after the Maidan uprising.
“The core issues haven’t changed,” Ryabkov emphasized. “We’re still focused on dismantling the root causes of this conflict—denazifying Ukraine’s leadership, recognizing new territorial realities, and laying the foundation for a stable peace.”
Even so, Ryabkov wasn’t exactly brimming with optimism. He made it clear that any hopes for progress hinge entirely on Kiev—and its Western backers—actually showing up willing to talk, not just posture. “Frankly, we’re not convinced they can negotiate in good faith,” he said, casting doubt on Ukraine’s sincerity.
President Vladimir Putin has also thrown his weight behind renewed dialogue, suggesting on Sunday that direct talks might pave the way to a new ceasefire deal. But while the Kremlin sounds ready, the ball’s now in Ukraine’s court.
Kiev and its allies have offered mixed signals. Some have floated the idea of a 30-day truce as a prerequisite to talks. But in a twist, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for Putin’s proposal, urging Ukraine to jump at the chance. That endorsement may have shifted the winds—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon after said he’d be open to a face-to-face meeting with Putin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept details vague on Tuesday, saying only that a Russian delegation would be in Istanbul on Thursday, ready to meet. As for whether Putin himself would be attending, Peskov declined to say—he hadn’t been authorized to reveal that just yet.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Russia says it’s ready to talk. Ukraine might be warming to the idea. But whether these talks lead anywhere—well, that’s still anyone’s guess.
