Trump is credited for restarting the process.
Negotiators representing Russia and Ukraine convened in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday for their first direct talks since 2022. The renewed dialogue comes amid heightened international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made resolving the conflict a key foreign policy priority.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the meeting at Dolmabahce Palace, emphasizing the urgency of ending hostilities. He called on both nations to consider the consequences of continued warfare versus the potential for peace, stating that the future path depends on the decisions of the negotiating parties.
The conflict, which began during President Joe Biden’s administration, saw limited diplomatic progress during his tenure. Since taking office, Trump has adopted a more direct approach to the war, including hosting high-stakes meetings such as one held in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance. The U.S. had previously provided significant financial and military support to Ukraine, but recent developments signal a shift in strategy under the new administration.
Although no final agreements have been reached, several peace proposals are under discussion, indicating a potential shift toward de-escalation. The current talks suggest that diplomatic momentum is building, though major hurdles remain before any binding resolutions can be finalized.
In addition to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Trump has been actively engaging with Middle Eastern leaders. Over the past week, he met with heads of state including Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These discussions focused on expanding the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism in the region, and finding collaborative solutions to ongoing security challenges, including efforts to manage ISIS-related threats in Syria.
