### Unease as Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Set to Start in Istanbul

As uncertainty looms, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are prepared to engage in their first direct peace discussions since the onset of the conflict in early 2022. These discussions, taking place in Istanbul, come after a series of misunderstandings and high-stakes diplomatic moves.

Despite the significance of the meeting, expectations for tangible progress remain low. Even international figures like President Trump, who advocated for these talks, are skeptical about their potential outcomes. However, for Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, the very fact that the talks are proceeding without a cease-fire—something Ukraine and its Western allies initially demanded—constitutes a diplomatic win.

Last weekend, President Putin announced plans to send a delegation to Istanbul. This move quickly garnered support from President Trump. On Thursday, the Russian delegation arrived in the Turkish city, signaling their readiness to engage in negotiations.

The decision to proceed with the talks also put increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky initially pushed for a personal meeting with Putin in Turkey and sought the involvement of President Trump in the negotiations. Despite questioning Russia's intentions and the organizational structure of the talks, Zelensky consented to dispatch a Ukrainian delegation led by his defense minister. This decision, he stated, was made out of respect for Mr. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"There is no time of the meeting, there is no agenda of the meeting, there is no high-level delegation," Zelensky remarked following his discussions with Erdogan. "I think Russia's attitude is unserious."

As the world watches, the atmosphere surrounding these talks is a complex mix of hope and skepticism, with many doubting that any significant breakthrough will be achieved.