Russia Threatens Ukraine with ‘Eternal War’: Peace Talks Stall

During direct peace negotiations held today, Friday (16.05.25) in Constantinople, Russia reportedly threatened Ukraine with an ‘eternal war,’ according to information provided by Sky News citing a source from the Kyiv delegation. While Russia claims its intention for peace, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation in Constantinople, sent a clear message to Ukraine: “The war could continue indefinitely – can you endure it?” The source noted that the Russians were not prepared to discuss the technical details of a ceasefire and awaited approval from their superiors. Both sides agreed on the largest prisoner exchange since the war began but also decided to meet again to discuss a possible ceasefire. Journalist Oliver Carroll from The Economist, citing a well-informed source, stated that during the meeting in Constantinople, Medinsky declared, “Some of those sitting at this table might lose more of their loved ones. Russia is ready to fight forever.” He added, “We don’t want war, but we are ready to fight for one, two, three years – as long as necessary. We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?” Medinsky further remarked, “And Peter the Great… do you know who funded him? England and France. Sweden would still be a great power today if this hadn’t happened.”