Istanbul, Jul 23: Russia and Ukraine are holding a third round of peace talks today in Istanbul, following two earlier failed attempts in May and June. Despite mounting pressure and international concern, little progress has been made toward ending the war or securing a peace agreement.

A spokesperson for the Turkish government confirmed that the talks would again take place in Istanbul, the same venue as previous rounds. The renewed discussions come after a fresh wave of Russian air and ground attacks on Kyiv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction of shelters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his Monday evening address, said he had spoken with Rustam Umarov, head of Ukraine’s Security Council, to prepare for the talks. Umarov confirmed the meeting would be held on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy had proposed the third round last week, but Russia delayed its confirmation until just hours before the announcement. Meanwhile, Russia expressed low expectations for reaching a deal.

Tensions escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russia it would face additional sanctions if no solution is found within 50 days. Trump has been actively pushing for a resolution but has so far seen no breakthrough.

Since the Russian invasion in February, the only notable agreement between the two sides has been a prisoner exchange. Russia has since ramped up its offensive, claiming more border areas and demanding Ukraine relinquish control over four major regions near Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Ukraine has firmly rejected Russia’s demands, including Moscow’s insistence that Kyiv must abandon its ambition to join the NATO military alliance.

With violence ongoing and both sides unwilling to compromise, hopes remain slim for a peaceful resolution in this round of talks.