Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Kyiv severed official diplomatic relations with Moscow. Yet despite the formal rupture, discreet communication between the two warring nations has continued—often on Turkish soil.
According to an in-depth investigation by Tim Zadorozhnyy for The Kyiv Independent, multiple unofficial communication tracks have emerged between Ukraine and Russia, ranging from oligarch intermediaries to military intelligence contacts, with Turkey playing a central facilitating role.
The first major backchannel emerged shortly after the invasion began, leading to direct peace talks that took place initially in Belarus and subsequently in Turkey. Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich played a key role in setting up these negotiations, appearing at Istanbul's historic Dolmabahce Palace just before the start of talks in late March 2022.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukraine's presidential office, described Abramovich at the time as an "extremely effective mediator" who "moderated the process partially." David Arakhamia, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's parliamentary faction and a member of Ukraine's negotiating team, confirmed Abramovich served as "a back channel" to pass messages to Moscow.
Turkey's diplomatic significance extended beyond peace talks. Abramovich was also instrumental in brokering the 2022 Black Sea grain corridor deal, which reopened Ukrainian ports for food exports. The agreement was signed in a ceremony in Istanbul, with the Russian billionaire in attendance.
The Turkish connection resurfaced in 2025 when, on May 16, Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Istanbul for their first direct talks since 2022. Ukraine's then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov led Kyiv's delegation, while Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky represented Moscow.
Following a second round of talks in early June, Umerov confirmed that communication with the Russian side had been "established regarding the stages of implementation of the agreements." Both Zelensky and Putin acknowledged the direct channel between their representatives.
However, Ukrainian lawmakers have questioned the seriousness of Russia's commitment to the process. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, described Medinsky as "nobody" who "holds no real influence," suggesting the Kremlin never intended meaningful outcomes.
Beyond the Istanbul negotiations, Turkey has also facilitated humanitarian exchanges. A prisoner-of-war exchange framework, initially established by Ukraine's military intelligence in 2022, later expanded with support from Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian political analyst Ihor Reiterovych emphasized that such channels remain essential despite Russia's violations of humanitarian law. "Even between countries at war, there are issues that require people who can still talk," he told The Kyiv Independent.
Looking ahead, experts suggest that while current backchannels have yielded limited results, future negotiations will require more empowered participants. Reiterovych predicted the war would ultimately end through military-to-military agreements, with politicians present but military officials likely signing any final accord.
As Washington continues efforts to revive peace negotiations, Turkey's strategic position as a neutral meeting ground ensures Ankara will remain central to any diplomatic breakthrough between Kyiv and Moscow.