Russia and Ukraine concluded Friday,amid claims that Russia presented an ultimatum during talks.">
Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul Conclude Amid Ultimatum Claims
ISTANBUL – May 3, 2024 – talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul ended Friday without breakthroughs. The primary focus of the talks was on the ongoing conflict, but discussions were intricate by reported Russian ultimatums, according to sources.These developments indicate a hardening of positions. For more on the potential impact, experts share their analysis.
Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul Conclude Amid Ultimatum Claims
Negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul concluded Friday, marking the first such discussions since 2022. The talks,held at the Dolmabahce Palace,did not include Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyj or Vladimir Putin.
Key Developments
- Talks Concluded: The meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey in Istanbul concluded around 2:20 p.m. local time, according to reuters and Turkish Foreign Ministry sources.
- Delegation Arrival: Delegations from both Russia and Ukraine arrived earlier Friday, according to a spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Ultimatum Allegations
Ukrainian diplomatic sources allege that Russia presented an ultimatum prior to the meeting, demanding that talks proceed without the presence of U.S. and Turkish representatives.
According to one source, this demand indicates that Moscow is undermining peace efforts.
Another Ukrainian source, familiar with the talks, claimed that Russian demands went beyond everything that was previously said
and included several ultimatums, such as Ukraine withdrawing from its territory for a ceasefire. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, described these conditions as unforeseen and unconstructive.
The source emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a real ceasefire and further genuine peace process without any conditions.
delegation Leadership
- russian Delegation: Led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser who participated in prior negotiations with Ukraine in 2022.
- Ukrainian Delegation: Led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
President Zelenskyj has previously criticized Russia for sending low-level diplomats without decision-making authority, suggesting a lack of seriousness in seeking a resolution to the conflict.
While the Istanbul talks were underway, Zelenskyj was in Albania participating in a European summit. He stated, If Russia cannot agree to a ceasefire, it is obvious that Putin does not want to end the war.
He added that the world must answer Russia if the peace efforts turn out to be a game for the gallery.
The Kremlin has stated that the Russian delegation maintains close interaction with President Putin, providing him with real-time updates.
U.S. Presence
U.S. Secretary of State marco Rubio was also present in Istanbul, having arrived after a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Antalya. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, was also present.
Rubio told Fox News on Thursday that a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine presupposes a face to face between Putin and US President Donald Trump,
expressing skepticism about a breakthrough.
Reports indicated that the U.S. and Russia were expected to hold a brief meeting ahead of the Ukraine-Russia talks.
Potential Future Meeting
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday morning that he intends to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the necessity of a direct meeting between Putin and Trump,citing bilateral Russian-American conditions and the need for serious conversation at the highest level. Peskov suggested that such a meeting would likely address international issues,regional problems,and the war in Ukraine.
