Constantinople: Russia-Ukraine Talks Conclude After Nearly Two Hours

The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Constantinople concluded after approximately two hours, according to a source from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Present at the talks were Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the head of the MIT intelligence service, Ibrahim Kalin. A Ukrainian diplomatic source also confirmed the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. These talks—the first of their kind in three years—lasted slightly less than two hours. This was the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides since early 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The negotiations were facilitated by Turkey and closely monitored by Washington. Initial reports from the outcome of the talks indicate that the Russian side demanded that Ukraine cede new territories. A Ukrainian official described these demands as ‘unacceptable,’ aimed at derailing the negotiations. ‘The Russian representatives are making unacceptable demands that go beyond what was discussed before the meeting,’ including ‘the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from large parts of Ukrainian territory under their control to achieve a ceasefire,’ said a diplomatic source speaking on condition of anonymity to the French Agency. Ukrainian sources stated that the Russian demands are detached from reality and far exceed anything previously discussed. They include ultimatums for Ukraine to withdraw from its own land for a ceasefire and other non-constructive terms. ‘Ukraine is ready for a real ceasefire and a genuine peace process without preconditions,’ emphasized the source. Moscow requires Kiev to surrender Ukrainian territories before agreeing to a ceasefire, noted a Ukrainian official.