According to Ryabkov, the talks focused on technical and diplomatic obstacles that have complicated day-to-day relations, including restrictions on diplomatic missions and operational challenges faced by embassies in both countries. However, he emphasized that the fundamental political and strategic disputes continue to hinder any meaningful reset in relations.

Ties between Russia and the United States have been strained for more than a decade, deteriorating sharply following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and worsening further after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Washington has imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, while diplomatic engagement has been reduced to limited, issue-specific talks.

Despite the ongoing tensions, both sides have maintained intermittent communication channels to manage risks, particularly in areas related to nuclear stability, diplomatic operations, and security concerns. Analysts say such engagements are largely aimed at preventing misunderstandings rather than resolving broader geopolitical disputes.

There was no immediate indication that further talks would lead to a breakthrough, as Ryabkov reiterated that core issues -including sanctions, security guarantees, and the conflict in Ukraine remain far from resolution.

Medinsky, who is leading the Russian delegation, confirmed that Moscow sees these talks as a continuation of the peace process that collapsed in 2022. “We maintain a working attitude and are ready for compromises with Ukraine,” Medinsky said during a media briefing in Istanbul. He emphasized Russia’s willingness to engage constructively, underscoring Turkey’s key role in mediating the renewed discussions.

Turkish diplomatic sources also confirmed the meeting, noting that both Russian and Ukrainian teams are expected to arrive in Istanbul today. While specific details of the agenda have not been disclosed, analysts say the discussions could focus on territorial security, humanitarian corridors, and grain export agreements, issues that have remained flashpoints throughout the war.

This marks the first direct diplomatic contact between Russia and Ukraine since the collapse of earlier negotiations in mid-2022. Since then, backchannel efforts have failed to produce tangible outcomes, making Turkey’s facilitation of this meeting a potentially significant breakthrough.

The Ukrainian delegation has not yet released a formal statement ahead of the meeting, though sources close to Kyiv indicate cautious optimism.

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, with casualties mounting and economic consequences deepening globally, the international community will be watching this round of negotiations closely for signs of de-escalation and the potential for long-term peace-building.