Ukraine Rallies Western Support After Ceasefire Talks Collapse
Ukraine ramped up efforts to secure more international support on Friday. The push followed its first direct talks with Russia in three years, which ended without a ceasefire. No Breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia Talks; Kyiv Urges Allies to Step Up The negotiations took place in Istanbul and lasted less than two hours. U.S. President Donald Trump had encouraged both sides to meet.
Although there was no breakthrough, both parties agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
A Ukrainian delegate, speaking anonymously, said Russia made demands even more extreme than before. These included ultimatums for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from sovereign territory. The delegate called the proposals “unrealistic” and “non-constructive.”
Ukraine-Russia Talks Yield No Peace as Kyiv Condemns Russian Demands
The Ukraine-Russia Talks, held at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, were seen as a possible turning point. But President Vladimir Putin, who had proposed the meeting, did not attend. Instead, he sent mid-level officials. Ukraine responded by assigning negotiators of equal rank.
After the talks ended, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy contacted global leaders, including Trump, and those from France, Germany, and Poland. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s demand for a full, unconditional ceasefire. Zelenskiy also warned that if Russia refused to cooperate, Western nations should impose tougher sanctions—especially on Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
Western Leaders Align as Pressure on Moscow Mounts
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed Ukraine’s position. He called Russia’s proposals unacceptable. Starmer also said the U.S. and Europe were working closely in response to the situation.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the talks. He urged both sides to choose between peace and “a path of destruction and death.”
Trump, wrapping up a tour of the Middle East, said progress would not come until he meets directly with Putin. His comment lowered expectations for any quick resolution.
War Continues as Russia Advances and Ukraine Demands Security Guarantees
While diplomats met, fighting on the ground continued. Russia claimed to have seized another village in eastern Ukraine. Air raids also struck the city of Dnipro.
Putin continues to demand Ukraine reduce its military, abandon NATO aspirations, and give up occupied territory. Kyiv sees these terms as surrender.
Zelenskiy made clear that Ukraine will not revisit the terms proposed during the 2022 Istanbul talks. Instead, his government seeks firm security guarantees from the United States and its allies. Ukrainian officials say any future peace must be both fair and lasting.
