A meeting is underway between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Turkey, marking the first direct talks between the two nations in three years. Notably, neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky nor Russian President Vladimir Putin are present after several days of uncertainty surrounding the talks. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian team is headed by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, is chairing the discussions. He referred to the negotiations as technical talks that could pave the way for a future meeting between the leaders of the two countries.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Istanbul following an informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya earlier this week, accompanied by Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine. Prior to these talks, representatives from the U.S. and Russia held a brief meeting to discuss the situation.
In related news, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to impose new sanctions on Russia, responding to President Putin’s absence from the talks. European leaders are increasing pressure on Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for resolution in ongoing tensions.
Original Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/russia-ukraine-hold-first-direct-talks-in-3-years-in-istanbul/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-16 19:01:00
