The third round of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is set to begin in Istanbul on Wednesday, despite significant gaps remaining between the warring parties. Last month, the second round of talks saw representatives from Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine convene in Istanbul, but progress remains elusive. Analysts suggest that the stalled talks are due to deepening divisions over key issues such as territorial control, security guarantees, and the status of Crimea. The lack of substantial progress raises questions about the feasibility of a peace agreement before the winter months, when further escalation could potentially occur.