Sultanate of Diplomacy: Russia and Ukraine Return to the Negotiating Table

Istanbul, Dolmabahce—sounds like the announcement of a new Eastern drama series, but in reality, an unscripted drama played out here: for the first time since 2022, Russia and Ukraine met face to face. Turkish carpets, American delegation members, and even a bit of Chinese special envoy presence—all mixed together in an Ottoman palace to once again try to teach the sides to talk (and not just exchange missiles).

The prelude to the talks was worthy of a prize for diplomatic intrigue: first, Ukraine and the US exchanged glances under Turkey’s watchful eye, then the Russian delegation had a brief word with a US State Department representative. Apparently, to remember the main rule of Eastern bazaars: no deal is done without bargaining.

On the Ukrainian side were Andriy Yermak, Andriy Sybiha, and Rustem Umerov. The latter, by the way, not only wrote down the names of all the participants in his notebook, but also voiced conditions that not even the most seasoned diplomat could brush aside: a ceasefire for at least 30 days, humanitarian measures, and a prisoner exchange on an “all for all” basis. Oh, and the return of deported Ukrainian children—because peace is built on details, especially if those details are children.

The Russian delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, who may have been searching in the halls of Dolmabahce not only for agreements, but also for inspiration for a new volume of dialogues on peace.

Observers are left guessing: what will each side offer—besides Turkish coffee and the usual “we’re for all that is good against all that is bad”? For now, one thing is clear: the roundtable conversation has finally begun, even if someone was checking their phone under the table or nervously twirling prayer beads.

The main thing is the symbolic gesture: Istanbul has once again become a platform where people speak directly, not through intermediaries and hints. And if, in the coming days, rumors emerge that somewhere in the palace corridors drafts of a peace agreement have been spotted—don’t be surprised. The East is a delicate matter, and peace is a precious and rare thing. Even for Turkish TV dramas.