Talks Between Ukraine and Russia Held in Istanbul: War as a Long-Term Project

The Dolmabahçe Presidential Palace once again evoked the era of Peter I: for the first time since March 2022, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met on the same carpet. This time—without Peter, but with his fans. Head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky launched into historical allusions, reminding his counterparts that Russia, if necessary, is ready to fight not only Ukraine but also common sense—for 21 years if needed, just as it once did with Sweden. To the credit of the Ukrainian delegation, they did not take the bait to play "who can fight longer."

The first round lasted two hours: the sides did not agree on their wish lists, but exchanged threats, demands, and, surprisingly, agreed to a prisoner swap using a 1000-for-1000 formula. This is probably the first time in the history of war that historical excursions have led to at least some result. Although, according to Medinsky, the exchange is expected soon—just a couple of eternities by the declared timelines of the war.

According to insider reports, Russia presented Ukraine with a whole basket of "modest" demands: from recognition of the annexation of Crimea and withdrawal of troops from the four annexed regions to giving up any illusions about regaining Sumy and Kharkiv regions. In addition, Moscow is demanding neutral status for Ukraine and a total ban on the presence of foreign troops (except, apparently, Russian ones, so it doesn’t get too boring). At the same time, Ukraine is being asked to forgo military reparations, but the Ukrainians are in no hurry to agree to that.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Heorhiy Tykhyi described the Russian list as "unacceptable," and Zelensky, while in Albania, called for new sanctions against Russia—in case it still considers war the best form of international dialogue.

Britain and the EU are disappointed: they expected at least some progress, but got another episode of the "Petya and the Never-Ending War" series. Putin and Trump, though hinting at possible personal participation in the talks, never made it to Istanbul. Perhaps Yandex.Maps was in charge of their route.

In the end, the main victory of the meeting was a hypothetical, but the largest, prisoner exchange. Otherwise, the talks are a ritual: everyone in suits, everyone holding their ground, leaving only to return. The next round—someday. Maybe in 21 years, like with Peter.