Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended abruptly in Istanbul on Monday, lasting just over an hour amid mounting tensions following a major Ukrainian drone strike on Russian strategic bombers and renewed pressure from the U.S. for a breakthrough.
A second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded abruptly on Monday in Istanbul, ending just over an hour after they began, according to Turkish officials. The discussions, which marked only the second direct meeting between the two sides since 2022, started nearly two hours behind schedule with no explanation for the delay.
The talks came just one day after Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack targeting Russia’s nuclear-capable strategic bombers, fueling anger in Moscow. Prominent Russian war bloggers demanded retaliation, while satellite imagery suggested significant damage to Russian air assets, despite conflicting official reports on the extent of the losses.
Hosted at the historic Çırağan Palace on the Bosphorus, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the session by urging both delegations to explore conditions for a ceasefire, the possibility of a presidential summit, and expanded prisoner exchange efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from Lithuania, confirmed that preparations for a new prisoner of war exchange were underway. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, also stated that Ukrainian negotiators had submitted a list of deported children Kyiv wants returned from Russia, calling their repatriation a key issue in the peace process. Ukraine accuses Russia of forcibly relocating hundreds of children from occupied territories—an allegation Moscow denies, claiming the relocations were for the children’s safety.
Few other details emerged from the brief meeting. While the delegations were expected to discuss competing visions for a ceasefire and a broader peace roadmap, no concrete outcomes were reported. Pressure continues to mount from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned that the United States may reconsider its role in the negotiations if meaningful progress is not achieved.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that Kyiv has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia to be held between June 20 and 30. This proposal follows the recent Istanbul meeting, which concluded with limited progress but included agreements on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues. Umerov emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to advance toward a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive peace agreement.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, in Baku, as the two countries look to deepen their strategic economic partnership.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
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