Putin's Plan Defeated: Results Of Talks In Istanbul
- 17.05.2025, 8:20
Ukraine's foreign minister revealed the details.
During the talks between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Turkey, the Kremlin's attempts to present the meeting as an alleged continuation of the Istanbul talks of three years ago were leveled. Such a plan of Moscow failed.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Facebook page of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga.
The Ukrainian official in his note in the social network voiced his own assessment and outlined the results of the meeting of the parties in Istanbul on May 16.
According to Sibiga, if we "put aside all Russian nonsense, pseudo-historical statements, provocations and so on," here are the results "in the dry balance":
Agreement was reached on the return of a thousand Ukrainians as part of the exchange with the Russian side in the format of "1000 for 1000."
The Foreign Minister emphasized that "even just for the sake of it all this made sense."
"Regarding the ceasefire that Moscow does not agree to: the delegation from the Russian Federation represented in the current composition - did not have sufficient authority.
"And it's bad enough that (Russian dictator Vladimir) Putin sent people of such a low level. But we will continue to insist on an unconditional and lasting, complete cease-fire. This is the basis for the success of any further decisions and steps," Sibiga said.
Continue to pressurize the Russian Federation and work on preparing Zelensky's meeting with Putin.
"Well in this context - the meeting of leaders, we will continue to work, to pressurize, because in Russia only Putin makes the decision. He should stop avoiding our President Vladimir Zelensky and find the courage for a direct meeting," the foreign minister said.
The confirmation of steps toward peace from Ukraine, not Russia.
Sibiga said that on the negotiating day of May 16, the Ukrainian side "proved that it seeks peace and is serious about working to restore it."
"In order for Russia to also start making real steps toward peace, we need to continue and increase the pressure. The strength of this pressure is inversely proportional to the Russians' readiness to be constructive," the minister said.
The results of the meeting in Istanbul as evidence of the need to strengthen sanctions.
The Ukrainian side will continue to "convince our partners of this," the foreign minister emphasized.
"The meeting in Istanbul cannot and will not serve as an excuse not to increase pressure on Russia. On the contrary, it is evidence of why it is needed," Sibiga said.
The collapse of Putin's plan to "resuscitate" the scenario of the 2022 talks in Turkey.
The foreign minister emphasized that the Russian dictator's plan to "present the Istanbul meeting as a continuation of March 2022 has been defeated."
"Because this is already a completely new dynamic, a new starting point. There are different conditions and realities now. And the key factor is the US and the peace efforts of (US) President Donald Trump," Sibiga said.
Resume - key issues
Resuming, the foreign minister said Ukraine will continue to "stick to its line and achieve its results."
"To bring people back, to achieve silence, security and peace. This is a key priority. And the strengthening of Ukraine and our defense capabilities continues and will continue. This is the main thing," the Ukrainian minister said.
He also added that all of Ukraine's partners "directly said" that President Zelensky "has made very correct, thoughtful steps in these weeks for the sake of achieving Ukraine's interests."