NewsUkraine-Russia talks in Istanbul: Progress halted for a break

Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul: Progress halted for a break

The Reuters agency reports that the first negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in three years have concluded in Istanbul. However, Russian news agencies claim that the talks have not ended, but rather that there was just a break.

A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister's Press service shows the meeting of Ukrainian (L) and Russian (R) delegations at the Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 May 2025. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine, including the Ukrainian head of state, have arrived in Turkey for planned peace talks. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio was in Istanbul to participate in the negotiations. EPA/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA.
A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister's Press service shows the meeting of Ukrainian (L) and Russian (R) delegations at the Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 May 2025. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine, including the Ukrainian head of state, have arrived in Turkey for planned peace talks. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio was in Istanbul to participate in the negotiations. EPA/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA.
Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT
Tomasz Waleński

According to Reuters, the meeting concluded at 8:20 AM Eastern Time. Meanwhile, Russian news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported that the Russian delegation had requested a pause in the proceedings.

RIA Novosti reported that the negotiations are still ongoing, with both sides having paused for a break.

The talks lasted about two hours. Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey began their trilateral meeting on Friday at 6:37 AM Eastern Time. The head of Turkish intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, joined the delegations.

Ukrainian diplomatic sources, cited by Sky News, report that the Russians' demands are "unrealistic" and "far beyond anything ever discussed."

According to a source from Sky News, Russia's demands included, among other things, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their territory to implement a ceasefire.

There were other "unacceptable" Russian proposals as well.

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