Putin didn’t budge in Ukraine peace talks. Now Donald Trump may be forced to act

Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a bitter stalemate, with peace talks in Istanbul ending with no major breakthrough. Both sides agreed to exchange more prisoners, but the broader conflict shows no signs of resolution.

Russia continues to push an uncompromising stance. At the meeting, Moscow handed Kyiv a memorandum demanding conditions tantamount to surrender. Ukrainian officials described the proposals as extreme and unrealistic.

The document, reaffirming Moscow’s earlier positions, insists Ukraine must withdraw from four partially occupied regions. These territories were annexed by Russia but not fully captured. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected such concessions.

"Russia's terms are designed to force Ukraine into submission," said an anonymous Western diplomat involved in the talks.

The list of demands includes strict limitations on Ukraine’s military. Moscow wants Ukraine to abandon all aspirations of joining military alliances, refuse foreign troop presence, and renounce nuclear weapons. Many Western leaders view this as an attempt to strip Ukraine of its sovereignty and ability to defend itself.

Russian negotiators also demanded full restoration of diplomatic and economic ties. That includes no reparations and the complete lifting of Western sanctions. For Ukraine and its allies, this proposal appears one-sided and unrealistic.

Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and now a senior security official, confirmed the hardline stance. “We are not looking for compromise,” he said. “Our goal is a speedy victory.”

Despite these demands, recent developments could be prompting new pressure on Moscow.

Ukraine has demonstrated it can strike targets deep within Russian territory. A recent wave of drone attacks hit four airbases far inside Russia. Footage shared by Ukrainian sources shows Russian bombers ablaze on the tarmac. While CNN could not independently verify the location, Ukraine’s Security Service confirmed the operation.

This ability to reach so far beyond the front lines may be altering the dynamics of the conflict. Analysts say it shows Ukraine is not as defenseless as Russia might assume.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is facing mounting frustrations. His plan to broker a quick peace deal now appears in jeopardy. Last week, Trump called Putin “absolutely MAD” after a series of devastating Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Some in Washington are urging stronger action. Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-sponsor of a bipartisan sanctions bill, accused Moscow of “mocking peace efforts” during the Istanbul talks. In a statement on X, Blumenthal warned that the Kremlin was “playing Trump and America for fools.”

The situation puts Trump in a difficult position. He must decide whether to escalate U.S. pressure or risk appearing ineffective. Any action—or inaction—could have major consequences for both the war and his foreign policy legacy.

The Istanbul meeting made clear that Russia is not ready to soften its demands. With the Kremlin unwilling to compromise, and Ukraine standing firm, peace remains out of reach.

The war’s outcome may now hinge less on diplomacy in Turkey and more on political decisions in Washington.

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