The meeting between U.S. and Russian delegations in Istanbul was a significant event not only for the involved parties but also for the global community. It is symbolic that these negotiations took place in Türkiye, a country striving to strengthen its role in global politics. However, this dialogue has raised numerous questions, especially against the backdrop of previous meetings in Riyadh and other diplomatic hotspots.
Many experts have questioned whether the U.S. and Russia are attempting to reach an agreement while excluding Türkiye. This has caused a divide in the expert community: some believe that achieving sustainable peace in Europe and beyond is impossible without Ankara, while others adhere to a traditional approach that overlooks Türkiye’s growing geopolitical influence. The final discussions in Istanbul demonstrated that ignoring this factor is becoming increasingly difficult.
The absence of an official statement following the six-hour meeting underscores the complexity of the situation. The negotiations would not have lasted this long if they did not have the potential to change the course of events. The ongoing war, the involvement of major powers, and its consequences extending to China and the Far East all require prolonged and intricate consultations. Rapid solutions should not be expected, but the very fact that discussions are taking place indicates an active search for a way out of the crisis.
It is also noteworthy that amid these negotiations, news surfaced about Vladimir Zelensky’s upcoming visit to the U.S. Donald Trump announced that Ukraine would sign an agreement transferring part of its natural resources to the United States. This move is undoubtedly linked to the broader peace settlement process. It is hard to imagine that Washington would promote a peace agreement without securing substantial economic benefits. Ukraine finds itself in an extremely difficult position: without peace, it faces further exhaustion, but achieving peace will come at a high cost.
A vehicle carrying the Russian delegation leaves the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Feb. 27, 2025/Photo credit: Xinhua news
In this context, new U.S. initiatives have emerged, such as a proposal for cooperation with Russia in the rare earth metals sector. However, this appears to be yet another attempt to weaken Moscow’s ties with Beijing. Russia fully understands that its long-term interests align with China and other regional partners. Playing by Washington’s rules would mean relinquishing strategic sovereignty.
Thus, while the Istanbul meeting did not yield immediate results, it sent an important signal: the international balance of power continues to shift. The U.S. is trying to reshape its approach to the European conflict, Russia is solidifying its alliance with China, and Türkiye is persistently asserting itself as a key player. These processes will shape the global agenda for years to come.
