Ukraine, Russia resume peace talks in Istanbul

Ukrainian and Russian delegations resumed peace negotiations on Monday in Istanbul, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, television footage showed.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered the opening remarks at the meeting, held at the Ciragan Palace on the European side of the city.

The Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, is expected to present a proposed roadmap for a lasting peace settlement, according to a copy of the document seen by Reuters.

According to the document, there will be no restrictions on Ukraine's military strength after a peace deal is struck, no international recognition of Russian sovereignty over parts of Ukraine taken by Moscow's forces, and reparations for Ukraine.

It also states that the current location of the front line will serve as the starting point for negotiations on territorial issues.

The Russian delegation is led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who is expected to hold multiple meetings during the talks. However, it remains unclear who will be attending those meetings, according to TASS.

On Sunday, Ukraine launched one of its most ambitious attacks of the conflict, targeting Russian nuclear-capable long-range bombers in Siberia and other military bases. Meanwhile, the Kremlin launched 472 drones at Ukraine, according to Ukraine's air force – the highest nightly total of the conflict.

The idea of direct talks was first proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin after Ukraine and European powers demanded he agree to a ceasefire – a demand the Kremlin rejected.

Putin said Russia would draft a memorandum outlining the broad contours of a potential peace accord and would discuss a ceasefire only after that.

Kyiv said over the weekend it was still waiting for a draft memorandum from the Russian side.

Medinsky said on Sunday that Moscow had received Ukraine's draft memorandum and told Russia's RIA news agency that the Kremlin would respond on Monday.

The first round of talks on May 16 resulted in the largest prisoner swap of the conflict, but no signs of peace or even a ceasefire, as both sides merely laid out their opening negotiating positions.

(With input from agencies)