Ukraine,U.S.,and Turkey Commence Tripartite Negotiations in Istanbul
Istanbul,Turkey – On Friday,May 16,2025,delegations from Ukraine,the United States,and Turkey convened for tripartite negotiations in Istanbul.The Ukrainian foreign Ministry confirmed the commencement of these talks.
Key Participants
The foreign Ministry released a video showcasing key figures heading into the negotiations. Among them were Ukrainian Foreign Minister andrei Sibiga, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrei Ermak, and U.S. Secretary of State marco Rubio.
Background and Context
These negotiations follow earlier reports indicating a broader set of discussions involving multiple parties.
- Turkish news agency Anadolu previously reported a tripartite meeting scheduled for 12:30 involving representatives from Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and Turkey.
- U.S. State Department Press Secretary Tammy Bruce indicated that Michael Anton, director of the apparatus on political planning of the Secretary of State, would represent the U.S. at negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
previous Statements and Expectations
The lead-up to these talks was marked by various statements and expectations from involved parties.
- Sources within “Ukrainian Truth” reported that negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul would begin on Friday, May 16.
- Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and an aide to President Putin, stated that Ukrainian representatives were expected for negotiations at 10 a.m. on Friday in Istanbul.
- President Zelensky announced that the United States and Türkiye would act as intermediaries in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. He
declared
thatthe United States and Türkiye will be intermediaries in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.
- Ukrainian officials indicated that their meeting with the Russian team would focus on implementing and monitoring an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. president Donald Trump.They
said
that theywill meet with the Russian team only in order to discuss how to implement and control the unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US President Donald Trump.
- On May 15, President Zelensky approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation for negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, aiming
upon the achievement of a fair and stable world.
The delegation included 12 members, with provisions for amendments to the delegation and approval of secret negotiation directives.
Focus of the Negotiations
While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, the involvement of the U.S. and Turkey suggests a focus on de-escalation and potential ceasefire agreements.The Ukrainian delegation’s stated intention to discuss the implementation of a 30-day ceasefire further supports this assessment.
