The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said that he does not expect Russia and Ukraine to begin a formal peace dialogue in the near term. Reports from El País indicate that he does not yet see the preconditions for negotiations taking shape, making a breakthrough unlikely in the immediate future.
Guterres voiced a somber assessment, noting that peace negotiations appear unattainable at the moment. He observed that both sides seem convinced they can prevail, which complicates any attempt to secure a negotiated settlement. Nevertheless, he emphasized that progress can still be made through sustained, pragmatic conversations aimed at resolving specific issues on the ground.
On the humanitarian and humanitarian-export front, the UN leader underscored the crucial role of the grain agreement, describing it as an important step in the broader conflict landscape. He stressed that the international organization is working hard to salvage the agreement and to ensure the Russian portion of the deal is implemented effectively, thereby easing pressures on global food supplies.
Guterres also highlighted recent diplomatic developments surrounding the grain initiative. The parties involved, including Russia, the United Nations, Turkey, and Ukraine, convened in Istanbul for discussions. He framed these talks as quadrilateral negotiations that bring together the four key actors in a focused effort to keep the corridor for grain movement open and to address human needs stemming from the conflict.
In summarizing the current situation, the UN chief called for patience and renewed commitment to diplomacy, even as the prospects for immediate breakthroughs remain uncertain. He urged all sides to keep channels open, pursue confidence-building steps, and base any progress on concrete actions that reduce suffering and improve humanitarian access. The overarching aim, as he sees it, is to create the conditions for meaningful dialogue that can lead to lasting peace, while continuing to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the war and stabilize global food markets.
Observers note that the dynamics between Moscow and Kyiv remain highly polarized, with political calculations shaping each side’s willingness to compromise. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, recognizing that any lasting solution will require a combination of political courage, practical concessions, and robust oversight to ensure commitments are met and grievances are addressed. The Istanbul talks, while not a panacea, represent a critical conduit for keeping negotiations alive and for delivering tangible relief to those most affected by the conflict.