The talks lasted around two hours, with Russia presenting expectations that were excessively ambitious compared to earlier discussions. Additionally, Russia threatened to “fight forever” and take control of two more regions – Sumy and Kharkiv. Kremlin representative Volodymyr Medinsky outlined Moscow’s five key demands:
- Ukraine’s neutral status: Ukraine would need to adopt a neutral stance similar to the Austrian model, forbidding foreign military presence and weapons of mass destruction on its soil.
- No reparations: Both parties must mutually waive any claims for compensation regarding war damages.
- Rights of Russian-speaking population: Ukraine must adopt European standards to protect the rights of national minorities and stop any “nationalist propaganda.”
- Recognition of territories: Ukraine must recognize five regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea) as Russian territory and work towards their international recognition.
- A precondition for a ceasefire: The full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the regions mentioned above and their complete transfer to Russia.
As a result, the discussions in Istanbul concluded without any ceasefire agreement. The only point of agreement was on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap.
Both Ukrainian and European representatives firmly reject Moscow’s terms, arguing they violate international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov mentioned that the next step in the negotiation process should involve a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.