After the conclusion of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, European leaders informed U.S. President Donald Trump of their unified stance on the situation. French President Emmanuel Macron noted on his X account that Russian President Vladimir Putin again did not respond to the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, which was put forward by the U.S. and supported by Ukraine and European countries. He emphasized that the refusal to engage in dialogue and end the war indicates Moscow’s desire not to pursue peace, but rather to buy time while continuing military actions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
According to Macron, further actions will be coordinated with European partners, the U.S., and the coalition during the European Political Community meeting in Tirana to formulate a cohesive response.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin again did not respond to the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire put forward by the Americans and supported by Ukraine and Europeans. By refusing to cease fire and engage in dialogue with Ukraine, Russia shows that it does not want peace and is trying to buy time while continuing the war.”
Position of Other World Leaders on the War in Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed his views on the situation, stating that Ukraine and its allies believe that Russia should have initiated negotiations for a peace agreement and a ceasefire this week. He added that he is disappointed that this did not happen and expressed hope for a swift dialogue.
In a phone call on May 16, the presidents of Ukraine, France, the Chancellor of Germany, as well as the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and Poland discussed the situation in Ukraine and the main issues of the negotiation process. According to official sources, the main topic was the exchange of prisoners and finding ways to end the war.
The first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul in three years lasted about 90 minutes. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported that the main topics of discussion were the exchange of prisoners and the ceasefire issues.