The Russian-Ukrainian peace talks started in late February, shortly after Russia had crossed the border into Ukraine. The two sides met in Istanbul March 29 to enter what The New York Times said was a “new phase” of negotiations:

After more than a month of talks — first in person in Belarus, then in recent weeks by video link — the diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia running in parallel to their war entered a new phase on Tuesday. The fact that the negotiations had become more serious was reflected in the setting, the palace where Mr. Erdogan — who has maintained ties with both Moscow and Kyiv — often holds major government events when in Istanbul.

In the Istanbul meeting, the two sides agreed a draft comprehensive agreement.

Russia topped off the meeting by offering to withdraw their forces from Kyiv and other places as an immediate “good will gesture”.

Ukraine proposed adopting neutral status and a 15-year consultation period on the future of Russian-occupied Crimea as long as a complete ceasefire with Russian forces is agreed, negotiators said at the conclusion of peace talks in Istanbul on Tuesday.

Russia’s withdrawal in early April 2022 was part of the Istanbul peace talks process they were in with Ukraine.