Lavrov says Moscow open to resuming Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow views the possibility of resuming Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul "positively." Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Lavrov recalled three rounds of talks held in Türkiye's largest city in mid-2025. He stressed that Russia never forces negotiations but remains ready when partners are willing. Lavrov noted that recent peace efforts have been paused due to the US shifting its focus to Iran.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday that Moscow looks "positively" upon the possibility of resuming peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough after months of stalled talks.
Speaking at the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Lavrov responded to a question from Anadolu regarding the prospects of renewed peace talks in Istanbul and the effectiveness of Ankara's mediation efforts. While acknowledging Moscow's openness, he clarified that resuming negotiations is currently not Russia's "number one priority."
Lavrov recalls previous Istanbul talks
The Russian foreign minister emphasized that Moscow has never imposed negotiations on anyone. "We always assumed that if a partner is willing, we'd be ready. And this is despite the very poor track record of our Ukrainian colleagues with whom we negotiated," Lavrov said. He recalled earlier negotiations with the Ukrainian side in Istanbul in April 2022, as well as three rounds of peace talks held in Türkiye's largest metropolis in mid-2025 — specifically on May 16, June 2, and July 23. Those talks produced major prisoner swaps and draft memorandums outlining positions for a potential peace deal.
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Moscow's conditions for new talks
"We don't shy away from negotiations. When someone is ready, let them make a proposal. We'll see if the timing is right, the location is convenient, and what the agenda is," Lavrov added. His remarks suggest that while Russia remains open to dialogue, any future talks would depend on concrete proposals from Kyiv or mediating parties.
US focus on Iran pauses Ukraine peace efforts
Under US mediation, Moscow and Kyiv also held three rounds of peace talks earlier this year on January 23-24, February 4-5, and February 17-18. The first two rounds took place in Abu Dhabi, while the third was held in Geneva. However, negotiations have since been paused. Both Moscow and Kyiv have attributed the halt in Russia-Ukraine peace talks to the United States shifting its focus toward Iran.
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