Ukraine-Russia Talks in Turkey End Quickly as Zelenskyy-Putin Meeting Expected

A second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul ended abruptly after less than an hour, with no significant progress reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Lithuania, publicly boasted about a recent Ukrainian drone attack on Russian nuclear-capable bombers. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that the negotiations included discussions on preparations for a potential face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, although Russia did not support an unconditional ceasefire or high-level talks. Zelenskyy also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Ukraine's long-range military capabilities and the importance of Ukraine's representation at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, emphasizing continued diplomatic pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, President Trump has remained silent publicly but was reported to be engaged in meetings and phone calls throughout the day. The talks and diplomatic efforts highlight ongoing tensions and the complex interplay between military actions and diplomatic negotiations.