Ukraine Peace Talks Gain Momentum Slowly Amid Xi Jinping's Call for Direct Dialogue with Putin and Zelensky in Istanbul
Published on 5.20.25
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been a pressing concern for the international community, with various world leaders weighing in on the situation. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent call for peace talks is a significant development, as he urged a fair, lasting, and binding agreement through direct dialogues between Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
The latest round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Turkey, saw a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov meet with a low-level Russian team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. However, officials expect little immediate progress from these talks. A senior Ukrainian official stated that Kyiv's delegation was prepared to achieve significant results if Moscow is equally serious about resolving key issues.
Ukraine has been coordinating its position with advisors from partner countries, including China, France, and Germany. Ukrainian Head of the Office of the President Andrii Yermak met with Chinese officials to discuss a long-term, unconditional ceasefire. Yermak emphasized Ukraine's readiness for peace and highlighted the importance of a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The international community is closely watching these developments, with many hoping that China's influence can help bring an end to the crisis. As the situation remains volatile, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield tangible results.