Ukraine-Russia talks "more positive than expected", Turkish official says

A Turkish official described the round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on May 16 as “more positive than expected.”

“It was more positive than expected. They didn’t use accusatory language,” the Turkish official told CNN, Caliber.Az reports.

One of the key sticking points remained Russia’s demand that Ukraine withdraw from territories still under Kyiv’s control. According to the official, the demand was framed within the broader context of ceasefire discussions. 

A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed that the Russian delegation reiterated its position that Ukraine must pull out of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—regions Moscow illegally attempted to annex in 2022.

“At a moment where it seemed like there was an impasse, we suggested the POW exchange that will include three categories – children, civilians and soldiers.,” the Turkish official said. “The Ukrainian side went out to get approval for it.”

The Russian team “seemed to need to consult less than the Ukrainians,” the official said.

“They are two sides coming to the table to talk about two different things. But the fact that they came to Istanbul can be seen as a need on their part to find a way out,” the source added. 

Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years on May 16, focusing on a potential ceasefire and the possibility of future negotiations between their leaders. However, the discussions ended without any significant breakthroughs. A Ukrainian source reported that the Russian delegation demanded Kyiv relinquish control over territories it currently holds.

However, the Russian side seemed satisfied with the results of the talks, expressing readiness  to continue negotiations. 

During the talks, the sides agreed for a large-scale exchange of prisoners — one thousand by one thousand people. Both delegations also agreed to formulate and submit their respective proposals for a future ceasefire.

The talks were marked by high-profile absences. Neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor Russian President Vladimir Putin attended, following days of uncertainty about their participation. Zelenskyy later criticised Moscow for failing to send “any real decision-makers.”

By Sabina Mammadli