The Ukrainian delegation announced its next step following the summit in Istanbul.

17.05.2025 00:41

Following the peace negotiations held in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, the Kiev delegation made a statement. Defense Minister Umerov stated that a meeting at the leaders' level should be organized, and that this would be their next step. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tykhyi said, "The Russian delegation expressed a number of things that we find unacceptable."

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The Ukrainian delegation answered questions from the press at a hotel following the Turkey-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting, hosted by Turkey at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul, which was organized as part of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

DEFENSE MINISTER OUTLINED NEXT STEPS

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected high-level discussions to take place here, saying, "I think the next step should be a meeting at the leaders' level. And this will be our next step." Emphasizing that Ukraine wants peace, Umerov remarked, "Ukraine is focused on people. We have the strength and capability to continue fighting. However, at the end of the day, we must end this war."

"WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT"

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya noted that today is "the potential for a very good outcome of a very difficult day," emphasizing that this is the result of weeks of work with the leaders of Turkey, Ukraine, the USA, and Ukraine's European partners. Kyslytsya stated that pressure on Russia must continue, saying, "There are many issues that can be resolved if the leaders can come together. Given the complexity of the issues and the nature of the Russian Federation, it is thought that almost every issue can only be resolved by (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, so we are looking forward to an earlier summit." He pointed out that the positive development of a prisoner exchange of 1000 people with Russia as a result of today's negotiations is "(the prisoner exchange) potentially excellent news for 1000 families in Ukraine."

"WE WILL START WORKING ON THE LISTS OF PEOPLE TO BE EXCHANGED"

Vadym Skibitskiy, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, reminded that the Russian side has mutually accepted the exchange of 1000 prisoners, stating, "From today, we will start working on the lists of people to be exchanged near the Kyiv region. We are conducting normal work with the Russian side." Skibitskiy emphasized that they will work to ensure that all Ukrainian citizens return home, saying, "We are waiting for them, and we will welcome them with joy. We will continue to work with the Russian side."

"THE RUSSIAN DELEGATION RAISED A NUMBER OF UNACCEPTABLE ISSUES"

After the addresses, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated, "The Russian delegation raised a number of issues that we find unacceptable. We have a long experience in discussions with the Russians. Therefore, I can say that the Ukrainian delegation knows well how to handle everything that can be raised from that side. The Ukrainian delegation addressed these calmly. Essentially, we outlined our main position and stayed on our line."

"WE VALUE TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION AND FACILITATOR ROLE"

Tykhyi expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkey for providing a platform for peace efforts, stating, "We value Turkey's participation and facilitator role as a very serious power that can really help end the war." In response to a question about the content of the negotiations, Tykhyi emphasized that a very important meeting was held today regarding both Ukraine-Turkey relations and peace efforts in Ukraine. Regarding the negotiations between the USA and Ukraine, Tykhyi stated, "We are in good contact with the USA. We are exchanging views, exchanging positions, and coordinating with the American side."

"WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM RUSSIA ON THE CEASEFIRE"

Tykhyi stated that Russia's silence on the ceasefire is "unacceptable," saying, "The Ukrainian delegation knew that it would be like this. Therefore, Ukraine calmly defended its line. We believe that the Ukrainian delegation made an effective and result-oriented decision." Regarding the purpose of sending the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul, Tykhyi stated, "The Ukrainian delegation was sent here by President Zelensky with a clear agenda. The number one agenda is the ceasefire. An unconditional ceasefire, and I must remind everyone that Ukraine accepted such a permanent ceasefire in March. Yes, we have not received a response from Russia on this fundamental point. Therefore, this was the priority issue for the Ukrainian delegation." Tykhyi, who called for a ceasefire for the negotiations, stated, "If you want to have serious negotiations, the guns must fall silent. This is logical. First, you silence the guns, then you talk."

"OUR DELEGATION WAS READY FOR A CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT TODAY"

Tykhyi stated that the ceasefire issue is their number one agenda, saying, "The Russian delegation probably has limited authority. Because our delegation was ready for a ceasefire agreement today. The Russian delegation probably has not gone into such detail regarding the ceasefire." Tykhyi noted that Russia needs to be subjected to more pressure to be more willing for a ceasefire, stating, "Only one person makes decisions in Russia."

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We all understand this. This is Putin. You need him to make decisions on ceasefire and other major issues. That is why President Zelensky has clearly stated that he is ready to negotiate directly with Putin. Putin did not come here, but this issue was still discussed, because we understand that if we want to make progress, we need this leaders' meeting, including a ceasefire.

THE FIRST SUMMIT WAS BETWEEN TURKEY, THE USA, AND UKRAINE

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations that came to Turkey met yesterday at Dolmabahçe. First, the Turkish, American, and Ukrainian delegations met at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul, chaired by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The US delegation included the country's Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack, and Keith Kellogg, the Special Representative of the US President Donald Trump for Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation included Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

THE SECOND MEETING LASTED 1 HOUR AND 45 MINUTES

After the conclusion of the Turkey-USA-Ukraine summit, the meeting between the Turkish, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations, chaired by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, also ended. The meeting lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes.

MINISTER FIDAN'S STRIKING WORDS

Before the second meeting, Minister Fidan stated in front of the cameras, "We are pleased to see that the strong commitments of all parties to peace have opened a new window of opportunity. We find it quite significant that our President and Mr. Trump’s calls for peace have been heard by Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky."

“AT THIS STAGE, THERE ARE TWO PATHS”

Emphasizing that Russia and Ukraine's readiness to start direct talks has made this critical stage possible, Minister Fidan said, "As you can appreciate, at this stage, there are two paths. One will initiate a process that will lead us to peace, while the other will lead to further destruction and loss of life. The parties will decide for themselves, with their own will, which of these paths they will choose. Since the beginning of the war, we have been making intense efforts on how we can end this war."

“THIS MEETING IS A FIRST SINCE MARCH 2022”

Minister Fidan continued, "Our President has also made great efforts to bring the parties together. President Zelensky's visit to Ankara has been an important step towards initiating negotiations. We are equally pleased to host the Russian delegation participating in the talks. Hosting representatives from both sides in Istanbul demonstrates our strong will to end the war. I want to draw your attention to one point. This meeting is the first level of direct contact between the parties since March 2022. We must seize this opportunity to move forward on the path to peace. Every day that is delayed causes more lives to be lost.

“TURKEY WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE”

As the war continues to claim lives, it is critically important to implement a ceasefire as soon as possible. There is also an opportunity to achieve a ceasefire simultaneously with the negotiations. I want to emphasize one point, one event here. The next stage will be determined together based on the choices we make and the steps we take. It is also very important that these talks form the basis of a leaders' meeting. We sincerely believe that it is possible to reach peace through constructive negotiations. I want to emphasize once again; Turkey will always be by your side in our efforts to end the war and achieve peace. We are also ready to provide any possible contribution to peace. I once again welcome you all to Istanbul and wish success to the parties in the technical negotiations that will take place.

“THE SUMMIT RESULTED IN A 'PRISONER EXCHANGE'”

Speaking after the peace talks, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said, "We have agreed on the exchange of 1000 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."

Source: AA / DHA