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On May 16, 2025, ENA reported from Addis Ababa—
Russian and Ukrainian authorities commenced direct peace negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye today, marking their first such discussion in over three years.
Representatives from both nations have convened for their initial direct discussions in three years.
Nevertheless, numerous political analysts contend that expectations for significant progress during the meeting in Türkiye are still quite constrained.
Turkish TV broadcasted the scene of the negotiators taking their seats alongside Turkish officials at the Dolmabahce Palace located on the Bosphorus. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs verified that the discussions had commenced.
Nevertheless, there is little hope for substantial advancements toward a ceasefire from these talks, following Russian President Vladimir Putin rejecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to hold direct meetings in Türkiye.
Zelenskyy mentioned that he would be dispatching a group led by his defense minister to Istanbul for the discussions. He also stated that the Russian delegation lacked “any decision-makers,” and accused Moscow of failing to make serious attempts to conclude the conflict.
Russia’s delegation is led by Presidential Adviser Vladimir Medinsky, a former culture minister, who stated that he sees discussions with Kyiv as an extension of the unsuccessful negotiations from 2022.
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