Delegations representing Ukraine and Russia convened in Istanbul on June 2 for renewed discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, but significant progress remains elusive.

While both parties reached a mutual understanding regarding a prisoner exchange and the repatriation of numerous deceased soldiers, their positions on a potential ceasefire continue to differ vastly.

This latest round of direct negotiations marks the second face-to-face meeting since March 2022, following an earlier session in mid-May. During the initial talks, the negotiating teams concluded an agreement on the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, but they have not made strides toward establishing the conditions for a sustainable ceasefire or initiating comprehensive peace negotiations.

In Istanbul, negotiators authorized the release of an unspecified number of prisoners, primarily focusing on younger soldiers aged 18 to 25 and those with severe injuries.

Additionally, both sides agreed to swap the remains of approximately 6,000 fallen soldiers from each faction.

Despite these advancements, the divide on securing a temporary halt to hostilities, which is viewed as crucial for substantive negotiations, remains significant.

Ukraine and Russia have submitted memorandums detailing their respective conditions for a ceasefire; however, the demands articulated remain in direct opposition to each other.

The Ukrainian government maintains that a total and immediate ceasefire is necessary, alongside the release of all military and civilian detainees and the return of minors abducted during the conflict.

Furthermore, Ukraine demands assurances regarding its potential accession to the European Union and NATO, which is contingent on political consensus within those organizations, as well as vague security guarantees from allied nations.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator and Minister of Defence, has expressed that a face-to-face meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could facilitate progress.

Umerov suggested that the meeting might occur between June 20 and 30, asserting that discussions of territorial concessions should occur only at the highest political level.

Ukrainian officials indicated a willingness to engage in incremental easing of sanctions against Russia, contingent upon effective mechanisms for reinstating them if necessary.

In the context of these talks, President Zelensky has emphasized the need for new sanctions if outcomes from the negotiations do not lead to a ceasefire in a timely manner.

Conversely, the Russian negotiating team, led by Vladimir Medinsky, has reiterated demands that include the cessation of Western support for Ukraine’s military efforts, the recognition of the territories in question as part of Russia, and the lifting of all international sanctions.

The Kremlin has proposed a limited ceasefire lasting two to three days, applicable in specific regions to facilitate the negotiations.

This iteration of negotiations follows significant escalation, including a notable attack reportedly conducted by Ukraine on Russian soil, which resulted in the destruction of several Russian bombers.

In response, Russia has underscored the need for a commitment from Ukraine against engaging in sabotage and subversive actions.

While the discussions in Istanbul reflect ongoing efforts for dialogue, the fundamental disparities between the two nations highlight the complexities of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.