Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to hold their first direct peace talks in three years this Friday in Istanbul, with Turkey mediating the negotiations. However, officials and analysts anticipate little immediate progress in ending the ongoing conflict that has lasted over three years. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, is set to meet a relatively low-ranking Russian team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

The peace efforts began on an uneasy note Thursday when Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting. Additionally, the two delegations arrived separately in different Turkish cities, and their negotiating teams differ significantly in diplomatic stature.

While hopes for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy were low, the stalled peace process has disappointed those hoping for meaningful progress during the talks in Turkey. The two sides remain deeply divided over terms to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, visiting the Middle East, emphasized that a personal meeting between him and Putin is essential to break the deadlock. Ukraine has agreed to a US and European-backed full ceasefire lasting 30 days, but Putin has effectively dismissed the proposal by attaching extensive conditions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Western military analysts warn that Russian forces are preparing for a new offensive.

Following Putin’s refusal to meet Zelenskyy in Istanbul, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of not genuinely pursuing peace, criticizing the low-level Russian delegation as mere “theater.” Still, Zelenskyy confirmed that his defense minister would lead Ukraine’s team at the talks, signaling Kyiv’s commitment to peace efforts despite Russian reluctance. The Russian delegation reportedly includes three other senior officials, along with four lower-level experts appointed by Putin.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he planned to meet with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul on Friday, while the Russian team would meet with other US representatives. Rubio expressed hope for a joint meeting but tempered expectations, saying the only likely breakthrough would come from a meeting between Trump and Putin. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy traveled to Albania to attend a meeting with European political leaders on Friday.