NewsRussia-Ukraine talks stall in Istanbul amid unrealistic demands

Russia-Ukraine talks stall in Istanbul amid unrealistic demands

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 picture made avaliable by Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office shows members of the Ukrainian delegation attending a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Russian delegation 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 is in Istanbul to participate in the talks. EPA/TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER OFFICE HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA.
A handout picture made avaliable by Turkish Foreign Minister Press Office shows members of the Ukrainian delegation attending a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Russian delegation 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 is in Istanbul to participate in the talks. EPA/TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER OFFICE HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Dostawca: PAP/EPA.
Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER OFFICE HANDOUT

Reuters reported that the meeting concluded at 12:20 PM Greenwich Mean Time. In contrast, Russian news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti indicated that the Russian delegation had requested a break.

RIA Novosti reported that the negotiations are still in progress, with both parties having temporarily suspended the talks.

The talks lasted about two hours. The trilateral meeting of Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey began on Friday at 10:37 AM Greenwich Mean Time. The head of Turkish intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, joined the delegations.

According to Ukrainian diplomatic sources cited by Sky News, the Russian side's demands are considered unrealistic and go well beyond any proposals previously discussed.

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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