Russia Ready for Istanbul Ceasefire Talks, Ukraine Demands Written Peace Conditions

The Kremlin has signaled its readiness to engage in a second round of ceasefire talks with Ukraine in Istanbul next week, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighting the constructive role of the United States in mediating these discussions. The Russian delegation is reportedly prepared to arrive in Turkiye and commence negotiations with Ukrainian representatives by Monday morning.
However, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has made it clear that Kyiv’s participation hinges on receiving Russia’s detailed peace proposals upfront. This demand from Ukraine aims to ensure that any talks are productive and based on a clear understanding of Moscow’s terms. Peskov confirmed that Russia is in the process of developing a list of conditions for a temporary truce, though he stated that these specifics would not be made public.
A key reported demand from Russia for a cessation of hostilities is a written commitment from Western leaders to halt NATO’s eastward expansion. This sensitive issue was notably addressed by Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who acknowledged the validity of Russia’s concerns regarding NATO’s growth and indicated the US does not wish for Ukraine to join the alliance. The Kremlin welcomed Kellogg’s remarks, interpreting them as a positive sign of Washington’s understanding of Russia’s security perspectives and appreciating its continued mediating influence.