Sibiga summarizes the results of negotiations with Russia and shows photos
16 May 23:34
An important meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul today, marking another step in the search for peace. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga shared the results of the talks, emphasizing key achievements, challenges and the need to increase pressure on Russia, reports
1000 Ukrainians to return home
According to Sibiga, the main achievement of the talks is the agreement on the return of 1000 Ukrainian citizens, including prisoners of war and civilians.
“If we put aside all the Russian nonsense, pseudo-historical statements, provocations, and so on, we have the following: 1000 of our people – we managed to negotiate their return. These are 1000 happy families. Even for this alone, all this made sense,” emphasized Sibiga.
Ceasefire negotiations: Russia is not ready
At the same time, the minister noted that the ceasefire issue was not resolved because the Russian side sent a delegation without sufficient authority.
“The ceasefire – this delegation did not have sufficient authority. And it’s bad that Putin sent people of such a low level. But we will continue to insist on an unconditional and lasting, complete ceasefire. This is the basis for the success of any further decisions and steps,” he said.
A direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin is on the agenda
Sibiga emphasized that the key to real progress is a personal conversation between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia:
“A meeting of the leaders – we will continue to work, to put pressure, because in Russia, only Putin makes decisions. He should stop avoiding our President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and find the courage to meet directly.”
Pressure is the only effective way
According to the minister, Istanbul is not a platform for easing sanctions or diplomatic pressure, but a confirmation of the need to strengthen it:
“The strength of this pressure is inversely proportional to the Russians’ readiness for constructive engagement. We will continue to convince our partners of this. The meeting in Istanbul cannot and will not serve as an excuse not to increase pressure on Russia. On the contrary, it is evidence of why it is needed.”
Putin failed to impose his scenario
Sibiga emphasized that the Kremlin’s attempt to present this meeting as a continuation of the March 2022 talks failed:
“Putin’s plan to present the meeting in Istanbul as a continuation of March 2022 has failed. Because this is a completely new dynamic, a new starting point. There are different conditions and realities now. And the key factor is the United States and President Donald Trump’s peace efforts.”
Ukraine’s strategy: peace and strengthening defense capabilities
Andriy Sybiga summarized his address: Ukraine continues to move towards peace – from a position of strength, support of partners and with a clear vision of its own national interests.
“Ukraine will continue to hold its line and achieve its results. We will return people, add silence, security and peace. This is a key priority. And the strengthening of Ukraine and our defense capabilities continues and will continue. This is the main thing.”
Sibiga praised President Zelensky’s actions, which he said have been recognized by international partners:
“President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken very correct, thoughtful steps over the past weeks to achieve Ukraine’s interests. All our partners have told us about this today.”
He also noted that the Ukrainian team continues to work actively at all levels to ensure progress in the peace process and strengthen Ukraine’s position.
As reported by
According to some media reports, the Russian side demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from its territory in order to reach a ceasefire agreement. It is unclear whether this was only about Kursk and Belgorod regions, or whether the Russians also meant the 4 regions that they have written into the constitution as theirs. Some sources report that this was the case, and when Ukraine refused this proposal, the Russians left the negotiations, saying that next time there would be 5 regions.
MP Oleksiy Honcharenko denies some of the details, but generally confirms the course of the negotiations.
“There was no interpreter. They spoke in Russian. Russia demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all the regions they added to their constitution. The 30-day ceasefire was rejected,”
– he wrote and added that the delegations are likely to gather for a second round of talks.
