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Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, marking the first face-to-face negotiations in three years. The Russian delegation is being led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky.
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14:27 GMT 16.05.2025
UN on Russia-Ukraine Talks: All Efforts for Peace in Line With UN Charter, Intl Law Welcomed
14:27 GMT 16.05.2025
Russian, Ukrainian Delegations Agree on New Meeting
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed on a new round of negotiations during talks in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday.
"Today is an important day for achieving peace. Thanks to intensive diplomatic efforts, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a Turkish-mediated meeting in Istanbul ... the sides reached a principled agreement to meet again," Fidan said on X.
13:36 GMT 16.05.2025
Russian Delegation Satisfied With Ukraine Talks Outcome - Delegation Head
Russian presidential aide and delegation head Vladimir Medinsky announced several significant developments following negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. Here are the main takeaways:
Russia Satisfied With Talks Outcome – Moscow’s delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress made during discussions.
Negotiations in Istanbul Concluded – The latest round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations has officially ended.
Massive Prisoner Exchange Planned – A large-scale swap of 1,000 prisoners from each side has been agreed upon.
Russia Open to Further Talks – Moscow is ready to continue negotiations with Kyiv.
Ukraine Proposed Leaders’ Summit – Kiev requested a meeting between heads of state, which Russia acknowledged.
Ceasefire Proposals to Be Drafted – Both sides agreed to outline their visions for a potential truce.
Detailed Ceasefire Terms in Progress – Moscow and Kiev will work on specifying their proposals to establish a cessation of hostilities.
13:28 GMT 16.05.2025
Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul Conclude Friday, Continuation Uncertain
Talks between Russia, Ukraine finalized as of Friday, situation with their possible continuation still unclear, a source told Sputnik.
13:01 GMT 16.05.2025
Resumption of Russia-Ukraine Talks on Friday Possible, But Not Yet Planned - Reports
The resumption of talks between Russia and Ukraine on Friday is possible, but not yet planned, media reported, citing a Ukrainian official.
"It is possible that something will happen today ... but for now, nothing is planned," the source was quoted as saying.
The teams are ready to work as long as necessary, the source added.
12:46 GMT 16.05.2025
Russian Delegation Takes Break During Negotiations With Ukraine in Istanbul – Source
The Russian delegation has taken a break during negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, a source told Sputnik on Friday.
"There is a pause," the source said.
12:23 GMT 16.05.2025
Russia-Ukraine Delegations Wrap Up Istanbul Meeting in Under Two Hours
The first talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in three years ended in Istanbul, and the meeting lasted almost two hours, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Friday.
"The meeting has ended," the source said at 12:20 GMT.
12:20 GMT 16.05.2025
Rubio, Sybiga, Fidan Discuss Need to Seek Peaceful End to Ukraine Conflict - State Dept.
S Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga and top Turkish diplomat Hakan Fidan in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the importance of seeking a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
"The three delegations discussed the importance of seeking a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Secretary noted today’s direct talks between Russia and Ukraine while reiterating the U.S. position that the killing needs to stop," Bruce said.
11:46 GMT 16.05.2025
Trump 'May' Call Putin to Discuss Ukraine Settlement
US President Donald Trump said that he "may" call Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine settlement, CNN reported on Friday.
Earlier in the day, trump told reporters that he and Putin have to meet and they will meet.
10:55 GMT 16.05.2025
Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul Important for Preparing Possible Leaders Meeting
"This meeting will determine the future meeting between the leaders of the countries," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in his opening remarks at the meeting of the delegations of Moscow and Kiev.
The first meeting of Russian and Ukrainian delegations in three years is chance worth appreciating, Fidan said.
"I want to draw your attention to one point. This is the first meeting between the parties since March 2022. We must consider this possibility. Every day of delay will lead to even more destruction and disasters. As the war continues, a ceasefire is needed," the minister added.
Ankara sincerely believes that talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul can lead to peace if parties take constructive approach, the minister said.
"We attach importance to the calls for peace by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the direct willingness of Russia and Ukraine to negotiate has opened a window of opportunity... From the very beginning, we have been taking intensive measures to end this conflict. Mr. President [Erdogan] is taking measures. We are pleased to welcome the Russian delegation to Istanbul. We are happy to host both sides in Istanbul," Fidan said.
10:44 GMT 16.05.2025
Russia, Ukraine Must Decide for Themselves Whether to Come to Peace - Turkish FM
The delegations of Russia and Ukraine must decide for themselves whether to come to peace or "continue the destructive conflict," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday.
Fidan has begun his opening speech at the first talks between delegations of Russia and Ukraine in three years, saying that Turkiye is glad to see the delegations in Istanbul.
"There are two paths before us: one path leads us to peace, the other will lead the world to even greater destruction. The parties themselves will decide which path to choose," Fidan said.
Turkiye believes it's important for Russia and Ukraine to heed the calls for peace made by Trump and Erdogan, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan before Russia-Ukraine peace talks
10:39 GMT 16.05.2025
Negotiations Between Representatives of Russia, Ukraine, and Turkiye Begin in Istanbul
10:29 GMT 16.05.2025
Negotiations Between Russia, Ukraine, and Turkiye Will Start Soon; Turkish Intel Head Kalin Will Join Them — Source
10:17 GMT 16.05.2025
Russia Delegation Head Arrives at Venue of Talsk With Ukraine
09:42 GMT 16.05.2025
Russian Delegation Arrives at Venue of Talks With Ukraine in Istanbul - Sputnik Correspondent
Earlier, a source told Sputnik that the delegation has left the hotel.
09:30 GMT 16.05.2025
Trilateral Talks Between Turkiye, US, Ukraine End in Istanbul
The trilateral talks lasted more than one hour, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Friday.
"The trilateral talks between Turkiye, the United States and Ukraine, chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, have ended," the source said.
© Photo : Turkish Foreign Ministry
/ 08:59 GMT 16.05.2025
US State Secretary Arrives in Istanbul, Where Russian-Ukrainian Talks Expected - Reports
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Istanbul, where Russian and Ukrainian delegations are expected to hold talks, media reported on Friday.
Rubio will not participate in this meeting, but the US is expected to hold a meeting with representatives of Turkey and Ukraine on Friday morning.
07:43 GMT 16.05.2025
Trilateral Russia-Ukraine-Turkiye Meeting Scheduled For 12.30 Local Time in Istanbul — Source in Turkish MFA to Sputnik
07:36 GMT 16.05.2025
Turkiye, US, and Ukraine to meet ahead of talks involving Russian delegation at 10.45 AM — Turkish FM source to Sputnik
04:22 GMT 16.05.2025
Rubio: Putin-Trump meeting is 'the only way to have a breakthrough'
"I don't think anything productive is actually going to happen from this point forward… until they engage in a very frank and direct conversation," the US State Secretary told Fox News.
