On Friday, the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years concluded in Istanbul. According to Ukrainian sources, Russia presented unrealistic and unacceptable demands, leading observers to believe they were intended to derail the negotiations.
Sources say Russia demanded that Ukraine withdraw its military forces from a large portion of its own territory as a condition for a ceasefire. The demands reportedly go far beyond any previously discussed terms, casting doubt on Moscow’s intentions.
The talks in Istanbul lasted nearly two hours, with communication between the parties conducted through interpreters, said a member of the Ukrainian delegation.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation, stated after the meeting that the discussions focused on a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire, as well as the possibility of direct contact between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“The prisoner exchange and ceasefire—those two issues were discussed,” Umerov told journalists in Istanbul. When asked whether potential contact between Putin and Zelensky was on the table, he confirmed: “It was discussed. We’re working on it.”
Umerov also confirmed that a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine will take place soon, in a “1 000 for 100” format.
Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the Russian delegation, said Russia was generally satisfied with the outcome of the talks and was ready to continue communication. He added that Russia had taken note of Ukraine’s request for a meeting between the two presidents. Medinsky also stated that both sides should prepare their respective visions for a ceasefire, which could then be discussed further.
Before the meeting, Umerov declared that Ukraine was ready to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire and engage in direct top-level negotiations with Russia. This statement was made following a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Turkey, and the United States held earlier that day.
“Today we came to Istanbul to find real ways to achieve a lasting and just peace,” Umerov wrote on Facebook. “Peace is only possible if Russia shows a willingness to act, including implementing a full ceasefire of at least 30 days, returning Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported, and carrying out a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners of war.”
Before the talks with Ukraine began, Medinsky met with U.S. political planning director Michael Anton.
Last Sunday, Putin proposed beginning direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul starting Thursday. Zelensky responded positively, expressing his readiness to travel to Istanbul and meet with Putin in person.
However, Russia remained silent about its delegation until late Wednesday, when it was announced that Putin’s aide, former culture minister and current chairman of the Russian Writers’ Union, Vladimir Medinsky, would lead the delegation.
President Zelensky has dismissed the Russian delegation as “mock theatrical.”
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