First contact in Istanbul: Russia and Ukraine start negotiations!

First contact in Istanbul: Russia and Ukraine start negotiations!

On Friday morning, May 16, 2025, direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine, an event that has been expected since spring 2022 will begin in Istanbul. The Russian delegation is headed by Vladimir Medinski, while Ukraine is represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerow, who was appointed by President Wolodymyr Selenskyj. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the talks were postponed to Friday at short notice.

Selenskyj canceled his personal participation in the negotiations because no direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place. Medinski, which is considered a political lightweight, emphasized the willingness of the Russian delegation without negotiating preliminary conditions. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether an additional four meeting with the USA, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey will take place.

Development of negotiations

The US delegation, led by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, had to dampen expectations. Already on Thursday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with the Russian delegation, which is considered a step to prepare for the talks. Russia rejected criticism that the delegation was insufficiently occupied, and Maria Sacharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized the qualification of the negotiating partners.

The geopolitical location is influenced by various factors. The political scientist Herfried Münkler has highlighted the importance of security guarantees for Europe, while Gustav Gressel, an armaments and Russian expert, warns of an impending great war in Europe. It is skeptical about a long-term ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The LPB reports that scientists and experts warn the need for a stronger European defense to be prepared against the threats from Russia.

perspectives for peace

Although the talks offer a chance of peace, the situation remains fragile. Analysts and security experts warn of a long -term conflict, and many are of the opinion that sustainable peace can only be achieved through substantial changes in Russian politics. The crown reports on the complicated dynamics of the negotiations and the challenges that could come on the table.

The tension remains high, while the international community traps the developments carefully. Peace does not seem to be in sight in the near future, and the likelihood that wars will end through military exhaustion is a topic that arises in the current political discourses. The upcoming talks in Istanbul could be decisive for where the conflict will control in the coming months.