Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to the President of Russia and head of the Russian negotiating delegation at the talks in Istanbul, stated that Ukraine could lose even more territories if it does not seek a compromise to end the war.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Russia’s Position and Threats to Ukraine
In an interview with a Western publication, Medinsky emphasized that Russia seeks peace but “must respond” if Kyiv “continues to be guided by the national interests of other states.” He also stressed that the current conflict only deepens the differences between the two countries, which is why Russia is interested in ending the war as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately, this conflict exacerbates our differences [with Ukraine], and that is why we want it to end as soon as possible.”
Medinsky cited the historical example of the Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden, which lasted over 21 years, hinting at the Kremlin’s readiness for a protracted war. According to Western journalists, he has used this comparison before and has also expressed the possibility of a “perpetual” war.
Moscow’s Demands and Kyiv’s Position
During the negotiations, Russia insists that Ukraine recognize the annexation of Crimea, Sevastopol, as well as the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions within their administrative borders. Kyiv deems such demands unacceptable.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that the issue of territorial integrity can only be discussed personally with Vladimir Putin, and that legal recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories is out of the question under any circumstances.
In May 2025, at the initiative of the United States, Moscow and Kyiv held direct negotiations for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion; however, no significant progress was made towards ending the war.