The once-impossible peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at ending the bloodiest European conflict since WW2, have taken place today.
The historic good news end right there – the talks ended in just 90 minutes, leading the Ukrainian side and their allies in the MSM to call to the fours winds that it was a flop.
The Russian delegation was upbeat after the talks, while the US response was pragmatic in the sense that they knew real progress will come after Donald J. Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This was the first direct peace negotiation between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years, a complex architecture of events with two trilateral meetings: the first with representatives from Turkey, the US, and Ukraine, followed by the ‘main event’: Turkey, Russia and Ukraine.
The delegations met at the Dolmabahçe Presidential Office in Istanbul. The Russian delegation was led by top Putin’s aide, Vladimir Medinsky, while the Ukrainians were headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Watch: journalists gathered outside the Dolmabahçe palace building.
LIVE FROM ISTANBUL: Journalists are gathering outside the Dolmabahçe palace building, as security measures have been stepped up. pic.twitter.com/UcXYM1BJVE
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 16, 2025
Reuters reported:
“The chasm between the two sides was quickly apparent, according to the Ukrainian source who told Reuters that Russia’s demands were ‘detached from reality and go far beyond anything that was previously discussed’.
They included ultimatums for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of its own territory in order to obtain a ceasefire ‘and other non-starters and non-constructive conditions’, the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.”
Once again, Reuters tells the story by stacking ‘off-the-records’ Kiev regime sources – it’s long been known that Moscow will demand the totality of the four Oblasts that voted in referendums to become part of Russia.
Senator Marco Rubio casts doubt on peace talks in Turkey, saying the Russian delegation doesn’t inspire confidence. He calls for Trump’s direct involvement, hinting only Trump can bring real results. pic.twitter.com/3D7y6p1JXH
— Briefly (@Brieflybynewj) May 16, 2025
Both sides are under relentless pressure from the Trump administration to end the war.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had warned that a major breakthrough was unlikely.
“’I hope I’m 100% wrong. I hope tomorrow the news says they’ve agreed to a ceasefire; they’ve agreed to enter serious negotiations. But I’m just giving you my assessment, honestly’, he said.”
Watch: Secretary Rubio with the Ukrainian delegation.
PICTURED: US Secretary of State patiently explaining to Ukrainians why it’s time to sit down with Russia… pic.twitter.com/ivcNXi7E35
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 16, 2025
TALKS BETWEEN RUSSIA, UKRAINE, AND TURKIYE BEGIN IN ISTANBUL
“This meeting will determine the future meeting between the leaders of the countries,” Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said in his opening remarks at the meeting of the delegations. pic.twitter.com/udTVVn1PI1
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 16, 2025
“’There are two paths ahead of us: one road will take us on a process that will lead to peace, while the other will lead to more destruction and death. The sides will decide on their own, with their own will, which path they choose’, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told them at the start of the meeting.”
The Telegraph reported:
“Russia has demanded Ukraine withdraw its troops from four Ukrainian regions annexed by Vladimir Putin as the price for a ceasefire.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source said the proposals were ‘detached from reality’.
The Kremlin formally annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine in September 2022, and only partially occupies them currently.”
Leaving the Ukrainian complaints aside, in terms of substance, we learn that Russian and Ukrainian representatives discussed a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange during the talks.
Russian delegation, on the other hand, was satisfied with result of negotiations with Ukraine — head of delegation Vladimir Medinsky.
FULL VIDEO: Russian Delegation Head Vladimir Medinsky’s statement after Russia-Ukraine-Turkiye talks in Istanbul https://t.co/dUXtaj2Xi2 pic.twitter.com/hVSBh3aN6d
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 16, 2025
Read more:
DEVELOPING: Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul Confirmed, But Postponed For Friday
The post JUST IN: Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul End After Less Than 2 Hours – Ukrainians Complain of Moscow’s Demands – Russian Delegation Satisfied With Outcome (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.