The second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since 2022 concluded after barely an hour of talks in Istanbul on Tuesday, with little progress reported beyond tentative agreements on humanitarian measures.

According to a leaked memo obtained by Reuters, Moscow presented stringent demands, including Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO aspirations and recognition of Russia’s annexation of occupied territories. Ukrainian officials have dismissed the conditions as "non-starters."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who mediated the discussions, expressed hope for a high-level meeting involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Turkey. "Dialogue must continue at the highest level to achieve lasting peace," Erdogan said.

While both sides agreed on minor humanitarian steps, such as potential prisoner exchanges and aid corridors, broader diplomatic breakthroughs remain elusive. The talks mark the first face-to-face meeting since early 2023, underscoring the protracted stalemate in the conflict.

Analysts remain skeptical of imminent de-escalation, citing entrenched battlefield positions and political pressures. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues to push for Western military support as Russia intensifies offensives in eastern Ukraine.