Trilateral Talks in Istanbul Aim for Peace in Ukraine

Trilateral talks were held in Istanbul between the delegations of Ukraine, Türkiye, and the United States, with a focus on developing mechanisms for lasting peace in Ukraine. The meeting, which took place on May 16, 2025, involved key figures from each country, including the Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s team and representatives from the U.S. and Türkiye.

The Ukrainian delegation, comprised of Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, and Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and Director of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization İbrahim Kalın. The parties emphasized the necessity of ending the war in Ukraine with a just and enduring peace, highlighting the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Humanitarian issues, such as the release of Ukrainian prisoners and the repatriation of children, were also on the agenda as top priorities for Ukraine. However, Russia’s absence from the negotiations at a significant level, disregard for international initiatives, and continued aggression were clear indicators of its lack of interest in peace efforts.

The discussions in Istanbul aimed to pave the way for concrete measures that could lead to a sustainable resolution in Ukraine, underscoring the collective commitment to achieving peace in the region. For more information on the trilateral talks, visit the official website of President of Ukraine.