Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul stall over unrealistic demands
The first negotiations in three years between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine have concluded in Istanbul, reports Reuters. However, Russian news agencies assert that the talks have not ended but have merely been paused.
The meeting ended at 8:20 AM Eastern Time, according to Reuters. In contrast, Russian agencies TASS and RIA Novosti report that "the Russian delegation requested a break."
"The negotiations have not ended. The parties took a break," states RIA Novosti.
The talks lasted about two hours. The trilateral meeting of Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey began on Friday at 6:37 AM Eastern Time. The head of Turkish intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, joined the delegations.
According to Ukrainian diplomatic sources cited by Sky News, the demands put forward by the Russian side are considered unrealistic and far beyond anything ever discussed in previous negotiations.
According to a source from Sky News, Russia's demands included, among other things, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their own territory to implement a ceasefire.
There were other "unacceptable" Russian proposals as well.
