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Russian and Ukrainian delegates convened in Istanbul on Monday for their second set of direct peace negotiations, just a day after Kyiv executed a dramatic drone strike on Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers. This bold attack, referred to as operation "Spiderweb," was a year and a half in the making, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. While both sides agreed to work on a new prisoner exchange during the talks, the brief meeting, lasting just over an hour, did little to resolve the stark differences between their positions, particularly on the issue of a ceasefire.

During initial discussions in Turkey last month, Russia and Ukraine had agreed to outline their conditions for a full ceasefire and a potential long-lasting peace. Russia now proposes two "options" for a ceasefire. The first demands the full withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The second, labeled a "package deal," calls for the demobilization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the cessation of all foreign military aid to Kyiv. It also insists on the lifting of martial law in Ukraine and the holding of elections within 100 days of this action. It remains unclear if Ukraine must agree to both options or can select just one.

Zelensky voiced his frustration over Russia's failure to share its memorandum ahead of the talks, but expressed his commitment to achieving some progress towards peace. Kyiv's high-risk drone attack on four Russian airfields, which caused substantial damage estimated at $7 billion, underscores Ukraine’s stance that Russia should recognize the costs of prolonging the conflict. This bold operation, which involved smuggling drones into Russia, has significantly boosted morale in Ukraine amid intense Russian bombardment and an anticipated summer offensive.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initially proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, did not attend the meeting, delegating a low-level team instead. Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov criticized Moscow for its lack of transparency, while Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, claimed Russia had presented a detailed document during the talks. Disagreements persisted, with Umerov reiterating Ukraine's unwavering demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, while Russia suggested a narrower ceasefire of two to three days in specific frontline areas.

In a move to expedite the peace process, Ukraine proposed a meeting between Zelensky and Putin by the end of the month. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested a summit that includes former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at a summit in Lithuania, Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for strong new sanctions if the latest talks failed to yield meaningful progress.