Russia Demands Ukrainian Troop Withdrawal Before Ceasefire, Says Kyiv Official
May 17, 2025
In the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since 2022, held in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, Russia demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson before agreeing to a ceasefire, according to a senior Ukrainian official. (Reuters)
The 100-minute meeting resulted in a mutual agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, marking the largest swap since the conflict’s inception. (The Guardian)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a recent Russian drone strike that killed nine civilians in Sumy, calling for tougher sanctions on Moscow. (Reuters)
While the Kremlin denies targeting civilians and did not comment on negotiation terms, officials emphasized that future discussions should remain confidential. (Reuters)
Both Ukraine and its Western allies, including the U.S., France, and the EU, criticized Russia’s rigid stance and called for an immediate ceasefire. (Reuters)
President Trump has intervened, urging both sides to make progress and warning he may withdraw U.S. mediation efforts. (Reuters)
European leaders continue pushing for stronger sanctions, though their efficacy remains questionable after years of enforcement. (Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to a summit with Trump, pending detailed preparation, but no new U.S.-Russia dialogue has occurred since the recent talks. (Reuters)
The situation remains tense, with both sides indicating a willingness to continue negotiations, but significant obstacles persist.
