First Russia-Ukraine Talks End In 2 Hours With POW Deal, But ‘No Russian Yes’ On Ceasefire Yet

Emmanuel Macronpresident

We continue to fight for peace, we continue to stand by President Zelensky and coordinate very closely with the United States,

added Macron

Friedrich Merzgerman Chancellor

The ball was entirely in Russia's court,

said Merz, who said

We are determined to continue to help Ukraine so that this terrible war comes to an end,

Merz added

The message was clear. The Russian side had not shown any goodwill,

said the Polish leader

Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps to bring real peace, and it is important that the world holds a strong stance,

he continued

If it turns out that the Russian delegation really is just theatrical and can't deliver any results today ... there needs to be a strong reaction, including sanctions against Russia's energy sector and banks,

he said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

Pressure on Russia must be maintained until Russia is ready to end the war,

he added

We cannot replace or supersede what the Americans are still doing for us in Europe, on our continent and for our peace and freedom,

the German leader said

Friedrich Merzgerman Chancellor

There should be no doubt that we are ready to continue our support,

Merz said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

We had a real chance to take important steps toward ending this war if only Putin had not been afraid to come to Turkey,

Zelenskyy told a European Political Community summit in the Albanian capital, Tirana

Emmanuel Macronpresident

The last few hours have shown that Russia is not interested in a ceasefire,

French President Emmanuel Macron said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

I was there ready for a direct meeting with him to resolve all key issues. He didn’t agree to anything,

Zelenskyy said

Ursula von der Leyeneuropean Commission President

We will increase the pressure,

von der Leyen said before a meeting with European leaders in Albania

Russian representatives are putting forward unacceptable demands ... such as for Ukraine to withdraw forces from large parts of Ukrainian territory it controls in order for a ceasefire to begin,

the source said

Rustem Umerovdefence Minister

I think the next step would be that the leaders-level meeting should be organised,

Umerov — who is Kyiv's lead negotiator — told reporters in Istanbul

They are two sides coming to the table to talk about two different things. But the fact that they came to Istanbul can be seen as a need on their part to find a way out,

the official concluded

The Russian side has issued several unacceptable demands, but the Ukrainian side remained calm and stuck to its lines,

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said at a press briefing

Vladimir Medinskyculture minister

The Russian delegation is satisfied with the results of negotiations with the Ukrainian side,

Vladimir Medinsky, aide to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and head of the delegation, told reporters after the meeting

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

Our position — if the Russians reject a full and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings, tough sanctions must follow,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X after talks concluded

Donald Tuskprime Minister

Russians in Istanbul de facto broke off negotiations and refused to cease fire,

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who was also on the call, said in a statement