Russia-Ukraine talks end after less than two hours in Turkey

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: Reuters

Russia-Ukraine talks end after less than two hours in Turkey

By Tom Balmforth, Can Sezer and Humeyra Pamuk
May 16, 20259:14 AM EDTUpdated 4 min ago

Summary
• Negotiators meet at Istanbul palace
• Ukrainian source says Russian demands "non-starters"
• Zelenskiy says ceasefire is the top priority

ISTANBUL, May 16 (Reuters) - The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years lasted well under two hours, with no apparent sign of progress so far in narrowing the gap between the sides, and a Ukrainian source called Moscow's demands "non-starters".

Delegations from the warring sides met at a palace in Turkey on Friday, their first face-to-face meeting since March 2022, the month after Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

{snip}

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-ukraine-hold-first-direct-peace-talks-over-3-years-2025-05-16/

[barbtries]

1. i can't even imagine

the frustration of Zelenskyy. how do you negotiate with people who bring no good faith to any interaction? none. zero.

they're leveling Gaza and putin apparently is willing to do the same to Ukraine.

[Historic NY]

2. Putin was a no show and he sent some nationalist clown

Zelensky pretty much said it was shit show Putin is afraid to meet face to face.

[Botany]

3. Ukrainian source says Russian demands "non-starters"

aka surrender > 30% of Ukrainian lands and citizens.

[surfered]

4. Putin does not want peace. The war is keeping him in power

If he loses, he’s toast.

[Wonder Why]

5. I guess they didn't "talk turkey"!

[Aristus]

6. You beat me to it.

[Xolodno]

7. I didn't even think it would last that long.

They are too far apart, nor in a position to compromise.