The second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul ended Monday with little progress, despite high tensions after a dramatic Ukrainian drone strike on Russian bombers. The talks, lasting just over an hour, yielded only an agreement to explore a new prisoner exchange.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped the strike, codenamed “Spiderweb,” would pressure Moscow into concessions. Ukraine claims the $7 billion operation hit 41 aircraft and 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile fleet.
Europe, together with America, has better weapons than Russia. We also have stronger tactical solutions – our operation “Spiderweb” yesterday proved that. Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2025
And when Russia takes losses in this… pic.twitter.com/7vel0PRFrn
Still, Russia proposed only a short frontline ceasefire. Ukraine stuck to its demand for a 30-day nationwide truce, calling it a test of Russia’s sincerity. Talks stalled again over Russia’s refusal to share documents ahead of time.
Zelensky is now pushing for a leader-level summit, possibly with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, frustrated by the slow pace, warned last week that both sides face consequences if they ignore his peace push.
