Peace negotiations in Istanbul are set to recommence; a one-on-one meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy has not been arranged yet.

In recent developments, Istanbul has hosted three rounds of renewed peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. These talks have produced prisoner swaps and led to an exchange of draft memoranda outlining both sides' positions for a potential peace deal.

The readiness for direct peace negotiations was conveyed during a phone call between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. President Donald Trump. Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin is ready to continue direct negotiations with Ukraine. This readiness was echoed by Lavrov, who also mentioned that both the Russian and U.S. presidents want to establish peace in Ukraine.

Trump has been making vigorous efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, conducting several rounds of talks with both sides. He has expressed cautious optimism about the potential for Putin and Zelenskyy to work together. However, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is currently scheduled.

Lavrov accuses Kyiv of rejecting potential compromises, including neutrality on NATO membership, territorial discussions, and language rights for Russian speakers. He also accuses European officials of opposing peace efforts, citing reactions following the Alaska summit.

Russia proposed creating three working groups during the latest Istanbul talks to address humanitarian, military, and political issues. The proposal for direct negotiations follows a meeting in the Oval Office between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders.

Trump announced preparations for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. However, there is currently no planned upcoming meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy in Istanbul. Previous proposals for such talks in Turkey have not materialized, as Putin declined to attend despite Zelenskyy's willingness to come if Putin did.

Lavrov states that the Russian foreign ministry has been proposing creating these three working groups during the latest Istanbul talks. He also emphasized that potential high-level meetings, especially between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, must be "very well prepared."

Trump prefers not to personally participate in the meeting but emphasizes the urgency of ending the conflict due to high casualties. Despite this, he continues to express hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.