Russian and Ukrainian delegations are in Istanbul for a second round of peace talks, hours after both sides carried out overnight attacks.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations met again in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday to take part in the next round of U.S.-brokered peace talks intended to end Russia’s 3-year-old invasion of its neighbor. The talks come just one day after Ukraine launched an audacious drone attack on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.
Revived talks so far have failed to reach a peace deal, or even achieve a sustained ceasefire, despite pressure on both sides by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The last meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul in mid-May was the first direct contact between the two sides since spring 2022.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirmed to ABC News on Monday morning that talks had resumed at Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday, according to a readout published by the State Department — which said the call took place “at Russia’s request.”
“Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump’s call for continued direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace,” the State Department said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two men “exchanged views on various initiatives concerning the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.”
Media members prepare to broadcast from the Ciragan Palace prior to the second meeting between Russian and Ukranian delegations for peace talks in Istanbul,
