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Monday 23/02/2026

Ukraine and Russia to Resume Peace Talks Amid Intensified Conflict and Sanctions Threats

Zelensky and Putin at negotiation table in Istanbul
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ukraine and Russia are set for new peace talks in Istanbul, with discussions focusing on prisoner exchanges and potential meetings between Zelensky and Putin.
  • US President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with severe sanctions unless a ceasefire is reached within 50 days, while also pledging new weapons for Ukraine.
  • Russia insists on its demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed regions and abandoning NATO aspirations, which Kyiv rejects.
  • Recent Russian drone and missile attacks have intensified, causing civilian casualties and damage in Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
  • The EU has imposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its oil industry, which Russia condemns as unjustified.

Ukraine and Russia are poised to engage in a fresh round of peace talks in Istanbul, as announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Scheduled for Wednesday, these discussions aim to address prisoner exchanges and potentially facilitate a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This development follows US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Russia, threatening severe sanctions if a ceasefire is not achieved within 50 days.

Diplomatic Efforts and Stalemate

Despite the upcoming talks, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's firm stance on its demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed territories and the abandonment of its NATO aspirations. These terms have been consistently rejected by Kyiv and its allies. "Our goals are clear," Peskov stated, emphasizing Russia's commitment to achieving its objectives.

Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Impact

Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground has intensified, with Russia launching a series of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. In Kyiv, these assaults have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage, prompting residents to seek shelter in underground stations. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down several drones, yet the threat persists, with attacks causing injuries and power outages in various regions.

International Reactions and Sanctions

The international community continues to respond to the ongoing conflict with economic measures. The European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its oil industry. Russia has condemned these sanctions as unjustified, arguing they threaten energy security in countries like India. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas defended the sanctions, stating, "We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow."

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The upcoming peace talks in Istanbul represent a critical juncture in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, yet the likelihood of a breakthrough remains uncertain. Should the talks fail to yield progress, the threat of increased sanctions from the US and continued EU economic measures could further isolate Russia on the global stage. Experts suggest that without significant concessions from either side, the conflict may persist, prolonging the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. As the international community watches closely, the outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.