Before the Friday meeting, Ukraine pressed the full, unconditional suspension of weapons for at least 30 days, the exchange of all prisoners of war and the meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, after which, as long as the suspension of the weapon would be maintained, real peace conversations would begin.
“Our position is that if the Russians reject the full and unconditional suspension of weapons and stop killing, strict sanctions should be introduced,” wrote the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelnski in a post published on X after the talks. “You should keep pressure on Russia until it is ready to end the war “ He added.
During the delegation in Istanbul, European allies of Ukraine – many of whom are in Albania at the summit of the European political community – they had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Leaders did not hide their indignation with the attitude of Russia.
– Russia's position is clearly unacceptable and this is not the first such case, which is why as a result of meeting President Zelnski and conversations with President Trump, we are currently strictly adapting and coordinating our reactions – said the prime minister of Great Britain Keir Starmer after the interview.
“The Russians in Istanbul de facto broke negotiations and refused to break fire,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a statement, who also participated in the conversation. “Time to increase pressure,” he added.
However, despite all the conversations, there were no more decisive sanctions.
– The Russian delegation is satisfied with the results of negotiations with the Ukrainian side – after the meeting, after the meeting, Vladimir Miedinski, adviser to Vladimir Putin and the head of the Russian delegation. He added that the exchange of prisoners of war will take place “soon”.
During the talks, both sides agreed to clearly determine their vision of the future suspension of weapons, committing to resume conversations after its introduction – however, no specific date was set.
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The Russians also agreed to consider meeting Zelanski with Putin. This week, the Russian leader ignored his Ukrainian counterpart, who flew to Turkey in the hope of direct conversations.
“Russia is ready for a long fight”
The delegation of Ukraine, headed by the Minister of Defense Rust Umerow, wanted representatives of the United States and Turkey to take part in the meeting. Earlier, a position with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, who also stayed in Istanbul, were agreed. Michael Anton, director of politics planning in the US Department of State, was also invited to participate in conversations.
PAP/EPA/Turkish Foreign Minister Office Handout/PAP
Meeting of the Ukrainian and Russian delegation in Istanbul, Turkey, May 16, 2025.
However, at the last moment, the Russian delegation pressed that US representatives did not participate, as Politico informed the official familiar with negotiations. Ultimately, only Türkiye sat as a third page at the negotiating table.
Umerow, leaving the negotiations, was clearly frustrated.
– The Russian side has set a few unacceptable demandsbut the Ukrainian side remained calm and stick to its positions – said spokesman for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heorhij Tychy at a press conference. – We must take more pressure on Moscow so that it is ready to take steps towards the room.
During the negotiations, Miedinski threatened his Ukrainian counterparts, saying that the Russians are ready for a long fight, and “Ukrainians can lose more than just their loved ones “ – Politico informed the official familiar with the course of conversations.
Moscow has already rejected the ceasefire. She did not show readiness to make concessions in terms of her original war goals, i.e. completely disarming Ukraine, dedication of territories, the resignation of Kiev from the aspirations for membership in NATO and the restoration of the dominance of the Russian language, the Church and Russian culture in society.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
