17.05.2025 23:00
The behind-the-scenes details of the ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have emerged. A Ukrainian source claimed that the Russian delegation conditioned the ceasefire on the complete withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Luhansk regions during the negotiations in Istanbul.
An unnamed Ukrainian source claimed that the Russian delegation conditioned the realization of a ceasefire in the negotiations on the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk, Zaporijya, Herson, and Luhansk regions.
RUSSIA'S CONDITION FOR CEASEFIRE: "WITHDRAW FROM 5 REGIONS"
An allegation has emerged regarding the ceasefire negotiations held in Istanbul with Ukraine. An unnamed Ukrainian source claimed that the Russian delegation conditioned the realization of a ceasefire in the negotiations on the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk, Zaporijya, Herson, and Luhansk regions. The source stated, "The Russian delegation indicated that the ceasefire would only occur after this withdrawal," while noting that the demands went beyond the draft peace agreement proposed by the U.S. after consultations with Moscow last month.
"NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS"
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov, while leaving questions regarding the Ukrainian side's statements unanswered, said that the negotiations should be conducted "entirely behind closed doors." Peskov noted that the next step would be the exchange of prisoners and further work between the parties. Peskov, who indicated that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy was possible, stated that "certain agreements" needed to be reached for this, but he would not disclose what those agreements were.
TRUMP TO MEET WITH PUTIN AND ZELENSKIY
On the other hand, Trump, who did not attend the Istanbul summit, made a new statement. Trump said he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy on Monday. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "The topics of my phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin at 10:00 AM on Monday will be the cessation of the 'lake of blood' that has caused the deaths of more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers on average per week, and trade."
"I HOPE THE CEASEFIRE OCCURS"
After his meeting with Putin, Trump mentioned that he would also speak with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, stating, "Then I will meet with various NATO members along with President Zelenskiy. I hope it will be a productive day, and the ceasefire will occur. This very violent war, which should never have happened, will come to an end. God protect us all."
PEACE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL AFTER PUTIN'S CALL
The historical summit was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 11. Putin had proposed the unconditional resumption of direct negotiations, which were cut off three years ago, on May 15 in Istanbul, requesting President Erdoğan to host.
ZELENSKIY ARRIVED, PUTIN SENT A DELEGATION
Following Putin's call, Trump also urged Zelenskiy to attend the meeting. The Ukrainian administration responded positively to the call. While Zelenskiy came to Istanbul in response to the call, Putin did not come to Turkey for the meeting and sent a delegation instead. Zelenskiy also left Turkey after Putin's absence.
TRUMP: IF I DON'T GO, PUTIN WON'T GO
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that following Putin's decision not to come to Istanbul, he could go to Istanbul on Friday if necessary, saying, "I said if I don't go, Putin won't come, and I was right."
DELEGATIONS MET
However, meetings took place between the delegations. In the trilateral meetings held under Turkey's auspices between Turkey-U.S.-Ukraine and Turkey-Russia-Ukraine, agreements were reached on the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
EXCHANGE DECISION MADE
Speaking after the peace talks in Istanbul, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated, "We have agreed on the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war with Russia." The Russian delegation stated, "We are satisfied with the talks. Russia and Ukraine will present their views on a possible ceasefire in detail, and then negotiations will continue."