Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul didn`t bring a result

The Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on May 16 after speaking for less than two hours and didn`t bring a positive result.

During the talks the Russian delegation demanded Ukraine withdraw from four partially occupied regions—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Ukraine firmly rejected the demand, viewing it as legitimizing illegal annexations. In a tense moment, Russian envoy Vladimir Medinsky warned, “Next time there will be 5,” hinting at potential escalation. This hardened Russia’s stance and further strained the already fragile negotiations.

Russia’s delegation, led by low-ranking official Medinsky, was widely criticized for signaling a lack of seriousness. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Ankara, decried the absence of high-level Russian representatives and accused Moscow of stalling for time while advancing militarily. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed these concerns, accusing the Kremlin of avoiding genuine diplomacy to evade further sanctions.

The United States, acting as a key mediator, sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg to support the talks, under pressure from President Donald Trump. While Rubio called for a ceasefire to enable negotiations, Trump pushed for immediate talks and hinted at reevaluating U.S. support if progress stalled. This approach created tension with Ukraine and Europe, who insisted on a ceasefire first.

Ukraine maintained that an unconditional 30-day ceasefire must precede any negotiations. Zelensky, backed by European allies, emphasized that a truce was essential to protect lives and begin a credible peace process. He also challenged Putin to attend in person, positioning Ukraine as the side committed to peace. Russia’s rejection of preconditions further underscored the gulf between the two parties.

Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, hosted the talks in Istanbul and sought to mediate between the sides, leveraging its ties with both Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan spoke with both Zelensky and Putin in hopes of enabling a breakthrough. However, logistical confusion and Russia’s limited engagement reduced Ankara’s ability to foster progress, despite its strategic position as a neutral facilitator.

The talks ended without major progress, with both sides indicating discussions could resume on May 17. Secretary Rubio expressed skepticism about any imminent agreement, citing Russia’s rigid demands and low-level delegation. Mutual accusations of insincerity persisted, with Ukraine calling the Russian team powerless and Russia accusing Kyiv of avoiding talks. The delay underscored deep mistrust and left the ceasefire question unresolved.

Putin is not ready for peace, we have to increase pressure - European Commission president

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Vladimir Putin’s recent actions show he has no real intention of seeking peace, justifying the need for tighter sanctions. Speaking ahead of the European Political Community summit in Tirana, she criticized Putin for backing out of a proposed 9 May ceasefire and rejecting Ukraine’s offer—supported by the EU and U.S.—for a 30-day unconditional truce.

Von der Leyen also noted that although Putin suggested direct talks in Türkiye, he failed to attend, despite President Zelenskyy being ready to meet. "This shows the true belief of President Putin; he does not want peace," she stated.

As a result, the EU is preparing a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors. Measures will include sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and 2, blacklisting ships in Russia’s shadow fleet, lowering the oil price cap, and expanding restrictions on Russian banks. "We want peace, and therefore we have to increase the pressure," von der Leyen emphasized.

Putin appointed the general in charge of the Mariupol assault as the new Russian Ground Forces Commander

Commander of the Russian Ground Forces, replacing General Oleg Saliukov. Mordvichev, known for leading the brutal 2022 siege of Mariupol, has been implicated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in war crimes, including the assault on Azovstal and widespread civilian atrocities. He has also played key roles in other offensives, including the capture of Avdiivka in March 2024, for which Putin awarded him the title of Hero of Russia.

His appointment comes amid reports that Russia may be preparing a new offensive in Ukraine, despite ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts. Mordvichev has been formally charged by Ukraine under multiple articles of its Criminal Code related to waging aggressive war and violating territorial integrity. His promotion signals Moscow’s continued reliance on military commanders accused of overseeing some of the war's deadliest campaigns.

General Oleg Saliukov, who turns 70 this month, has moved into a new role as deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council after leading the Ground Forces since 2014. A longtime figure in Russia’s military leadership, Saliukov was known for organizing annual Victory Day parades and is under Western sanctions for his involvement in the invasion. His retirement had been expected under Russian law due to age limits.