At negotiations, Russians burst out laughing at Ukraine's claims; "Let's not turn this into a science fiction"

According to the same source, the Russian side allegedly laughed at the claim of the Ukrainian envoy, and the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said: "Let's not turn these negotiations into a science fiction novel."

This alleged incident took place today during the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation was led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who three years ago led the Moscow negotiating team.

"Nonsense"

Russia has repeatedly ridiculed similar accusations by Western officials that Moscow intends to attack NATO or EU countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously called such statements "nonsense".

He also suggested that Western politicians are inventing the threat of a Russian attack to intimidate their citizens and justify increased military spending. "The collective West is scaring its own population by claiming that we are preparing to attack someone," Putin said in December 2024. "The tactic is very simple: they are pushing us to a red line, beyond which we can no longer retreat."

Putin added that when Moscow finally responds, Western governments immediately alert their citizens, claiming that there is now a Russian threat. "Meanwhile, NATO countries themselves are increasing military spending. They are forming and concentrating a strike group of allied forces close to Russia's borders," Putin said.

Tanjug/AP Photo/Francisco Seco, Pool

Let's recall that the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were held in Istanbul today after more than three years. They lasted more than an hour, and neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were present.

Ukraine: Russian demands exceed anything that has ever been said

Russia has put forward demands that are unrealistic and exceed anything that has ever been the subject of negotiations, said a source from Ukrainian diplomacy after today's talks in Istanbul.

According to this source, among the Russian demands is the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from its own territory as a condition for a ceasefire.

He added that there were other demands which, as he says, were "unacceptable from the very beginning".

Russians: The negotiations are not over, this is just a break

Although Ukrainian sources previously announced that the negotiations in Istanbul had ended, the Russian state agency RIA Novosti claims that this is not true.

• "Vladimir, it's time, as soon as possible"; A response from the Kremlin arrived

"The negotiations are not over. The parties have taken a break," the agency announced, citing unnamed sources. The Ukrainian side previously claimed the opposite and expressed dissatisfaction with Russian "unrealistic" demands, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from its own territory.

What were the reactions after the negotiations?

After the end of today's negotiations in Istanbul, the statements of both sides were published.

Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine:

Both sides have agreed on an exchange of 1,000 prisoners, a date has been set but not made public.

There was talk of a possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

The topic of negotiations was also a possible ceasefire "in all modalities".

Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation:

It has been confirmed that a "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner exchange will take place "in the coming days".

Russia "noticed" Ukraine's request for direct talks between Putin and Zelensky.

Both sides will present their vision of a possible ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky:

He said that Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps towards peace.

He stressed that it is important for the world to maintain a firm stance.

Today, Zelensky was in Tirana with the leaders of France, Germany, Poland and Great Britain, who today spoke together with US President Donald Trump.