US EditionRussia Takes Tough Stance in Istanbul Talks, Threatens Ukraine with Long War
- Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks since 2022 in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes and resulting in a prisoner exchange agreement.
- The talks occurred amid ongoing conflict, with Russia threatening a prolonged war and demanding territorial concessions, while Ukraine aimed to secure the release of prisoners and fallen soldiers.
- Ukraine was represented by a high-ranking team headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and the two countries reached an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners each; meanwhile, Russia was represented by a less senior group including Vladimir Medinsky, who delivered a politicized historical narrative on Russian state television.
- Ukraine successfully repatriated 909 fallen soldiers, and the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade reportedly eliminated 70,000 Russian troops during intense fighting in Donetsk Oblast over ten months.
- The prisoner exchange signals limited progress in talks amid unresolved territorial disputes and threats of escalated conflict, showing a fragile diplomatic engagement under tense conditions.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The peace talks in Istanbul ended after less than two hours. British Prime Minister Starmer believes that Russia has made “unacceptable” demands. At the same time, Russia threatened with “eternal war” during the meeting, according to sources to Sky News.
Russian stuff blowing up: Russia threatens during peace talks to seize more Ukrainian cities
Let’s see if this actually happens. Countries sincere about peace negotiations don’t threaten to seize cities and fight for 20 years. The negotiations lasted less than two hours. This probably doesn’t sound important, but there is no doubt that it...
Insiders report on bad statements made by Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinski during talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Therefore, Moscow threatens with the occupation of other areas and is ready to wage a very long war.
During the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, the Russian delegation threatened to seize the Kharkiv and Sum regions, as reported by The Economist Oliver Carroll, with reference to the "information source".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
