Russia Open to Resuming Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul

• •Russia is open to peace talks with Ukraine but prioritizes other issues.
• •Previous negotiations in Istanbul led to significant outcomes, including prisoner swaps.
• •Key disagreements persist over territorial demands, complicating potential negotiations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on April 18, 2026, that Moscow is open to resuming peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, although it is not a top priority for Russia at this time. Lavrov's comments came during the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he acknowledged the stalled negotiations and emphasized that Russia has never forced talks on Ukraine. He recalled previous negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022 and 2025, which resulted in significant prisoner swaps and draft agreements. While Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for the resumption of talks, key disagreements remain, particularly regarding territorial demands. The last trilateral talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine occurred on February 16, 2026, and subsequent meetings have been postponed due to shifting U.S. focus towards Iran. Lavrov indicated that any future negotiations would depend on proposals from Kyiv or mediating parties, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape.