Putin Rejects Istanbul Talks with Zelensky — Russia Demands 2022 Concessions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s invitation to direct negotiations in Istanbul, opting instead to send a delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Joining Medinsky are Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, GRU Chief Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Kostyukov is the only one who did not participate in the 2022 talks.

Medinsky stated that the current round is a continuation of the 2022 Istanbul protocols, which demanded Ukraine renounce NATO membership, limit its military, and accept foreign security guarantees — including Russia and Belarus.

According to the NYT and WSJ, drafts from 2022 proposed Ukraine limit its army and missile range, making it vulnerable to future Russian aggression.

Independent outlet Meduza reports that the Kremlin is preparing the Russian public for a prolonged war. State-aligned media have been instructed to portray the talks as doomed and focus on expected new Western sanctions — while insisting Russia can endure them.

Kremlin messaging also claims Ukraine is in a worse negotiating position than in 2022, despite the facts on the ground indicating otherwise.