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.
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.