By Amanda M. Castro is a Newsweek Live Blog Editor based in New York. Her focus is reporting on U.S.
Tensions remain high at the Istanbul peace talks as a Ukrainian diplomatic source says Russia is demanding full Ukrainian troop withdrawal as a condition for a ceasefire, terms Kyiv is calling unrealistic.
What to know:
- A Ukrainian official told Reuters the Russian delegation is pushing for Ukrainian forces to leave their own territory.
- Kyiv described Moscow's demands as "detached from reality" and said they go "far beyond" anything discussed previously.
- The conditions were labeled "ultimatums" and "non-constructive" by the Ukrainian side.
- The remarks were made anonymously by a Ukrainian diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations.
- The talks marked the first direct meeting between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022.
This live blog is now closed.
Former Ukraine ambassador says she resigned over Trump's foreign policy
Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, says she resigned in April because she disagreed with President Donald Trump's approach to the war.
In an op-ed published Friday in the Detroit Free Press, Brink criticized the administration for pressuring Ukraine instead of confronting Russia. While she respects the president's authority on foreign policy, she could not support a strategy that "puts pressure on the victim rather than the aggressor."
Brink, who served in Kyiv from May 2022, said resigning was her duty. "Peace at any price is not peace at all — it is appeasement," she wrote.
Ukraine calls for leader-level talks after war meeting with Russia
On Friday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that Kyiv sees a meeting between Ukraine and Russia's leaders as the logical next step following talks in Istanbul.
Umerov said the immediate focus of Friday's discussions was securing the release of prisoners of war and working toward a ceasefire. "The next step should be a meeting between the leaders," he told reporters.
Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia echoed that sentiment, hoping such a meeting would happen "sooner rather than later."
U.S. to begin talks on troop reductions in Europe later this year
Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Friday that the U.S. will begin discussions with European allies about reducing its troop presence in Europe later this year.
Speaking at a conference in Estonia, Whitaker said talks would begin after the NATO summit in The Hague. He emphasized that no decisions had been made, but discussions would occur within NATO's formal structure.
Macron says Russia not ready for peace after Trump call
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with Trump during a European leaders' meeting in Albania and criticized Russia for rejecting a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine.
Macron shared on X that President Putin had once again refused a U.S.-backed, unconditional ceasefire supported by Ukraine and Europe. He said Russia's refusal to engage in dialogue showed it was "not seeking peace" and was instead trying to prolong the war.
We just had a phone call with @POTUS while in Albania.
Once again, President Putin refuses to respond to the unconditional ceasefire proposal put forward by the Americans and supported by Ukraine and the Europeans.
By rejecting the ceasefire and dialogue… pic.twitter.com/FR48tANbGB
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 16, 2025
EU leaders pledge support for Zelenskyy, vow tougher sanctions on Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and vowed to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking alongside European Council President António Costa, von der Leyen said both leaders "stand firmly" with Ukraine and are committed to pushing for a "full and unconditional ceasefire."
"To bring Putin to the negotiating table, we're further ramping up pressure," she said, citing continued sanctions against Russia. "We're putting hard-biting sanctions on Russia, package after package."
The statement signals the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine as the war enters a prolonged phase with little sign of resolution.
Estonia says Russia willing to defend shadow fleet with military force
Estonia warned Thursday that Russia may use military force to protect its so-called shadow fleet—aging oil tankers used to bypass sanctions—after a Russian fighter jet entered NATO airspace during an encounter in Estonian waters.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the Estonian navy intercepted a Jaguar tanker sailing without a flag or insurance. During the stop, a Russian warplane briefly crossed into NATO airspace, prompting a scramble by allied jets.
"This is something very new," Tsahkna said, linking Moscow directly to the shadow fleet and urging increased Baltic air patrols.
The fleet includes older tankers often registered in countries outside the sanctions regime and is used to skirt the $60 oil price cap imposed by Ukraine's allies. Some ships are also suspected of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.
The EU sanctioned 70 additional vessels in February and is expected to target more in the coming week.
Ukraine, Russia agree to major prisoner swap in Istanbul talks
Ukraine's defense minister, Rustem Umerov, announced Friday that Kyiv and Moscow have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each following talks in Istanbul.
Speaking to reporters after the negotiations, Umerov called the agreement an "important achievement" and said it highlights both sides' willingness to move toward ending the war. "We are focused to finalize this war," he said.
Umerov also noted that the Ukrainian delegation prioritized securing the release of individuals. A potential ceasefire was the second point of discussion, with both sides sharing initial frameworks. Negotiators will now work through the finer details.
Diplomatic tensions and progress mark dramatic day in Eastern Europe: Recap
A flurry of diplomatic activity unfolded across Eastern Europe on Friday, as Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and key European allies engaged in high-stakes talks to end the war.
In Istanbul, the day began with tensions after Ukraine accused Russia of trying to undermine talks by insisting U.S. and Turkish officials be excluded. Meanwhile, Russia's lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, unexpectedly met with a U.S. official. The talks began an hour late, and Ukraine quickly labeled Moscow's new proposals as "detached from reality."
Still, a breakthrough was announced: both sides agreed to a major prisoner swap involving 1,000 captives each.
Elsewhere, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met European leaders in Tirana, Albania, urging a strong response if Russia refused a ceasefire. He later joined a call with President Trump and European leaders, where they reportedly told Trump that Moscow's stance remained "unacceptable."
Trump, who had earlier floated the idea of meeting Vladimir Putin, said such talks would happen "as soon as we can set it up." Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV offered the Vatican as a future venue for negotiations.
Russia and Ukraine make limited progress in Istanbul peace talks
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul concluded with few major breakthroughs, though both sides agreed on some steps forward.
The 90-minute meeting led to a deal on the largest prisoner exchange of the war so far. Each country will release 1,000 detainees in the coming days. The swap is intended as a confidence-building measure.
Both delegations agreed to present detailed proposals for a possible ceasefire before future negotiations. Russia acknowledged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a direct meeting with President Vladimir Putin but did not commit to it. Putin did not attend the talks.
Russian delegation to depart Istanbul after first peace talks since 2022
A source told Russian news agency TASS that Russia's delegation will return to Moscow today following direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Sky News reported.
The talks marked the first formal negotiations between the two countries since 2022, and they aimed to end the three-year war.
Russia signals progress after Istanbul talks, says major prisoner swap coming
On Tuesday, Russia's chief negotiator said that talks with Ukraine in Istanbul yielded some positive steps and that both sides are prepared to continue discussions.
"We are satisfied with the result and are ready to continue contacts," the Russian delegate said, adding that a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 people from each side is expected to occur soon.
The Russian side also acknowledged Ukraine's request for direct talks between the two countries' leaders and said it had taken note of the proposal.
Both parties agreed to outline their visions for a potential ceasefire in detail, with negotiations to continue once those proposals are presented.
Zelensky urges continued pressure on Russia after call with Trump and EU leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with several European leaders shortly after peace talks in Istanbul concluded. The call also included the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland, and took place during a European gathering in Albania.
Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to move quickly toward peace but stressed the need for continued global pressure on Russia.
"If the Russians reject a full and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings, tough sanctions must follow," he wrote on social media. "Pressure on Russia must be maintained until Russia is ready to end the war."
He thanked international partners for their support and reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to ending the conflict.
Spoke with @POTUS together with President Macron, Federal Chancellor Merz, Prime Ministers Starmer and Tusk. We discussed the meeting in Istanbul.
Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps to bring real peace, and it is important that the world holds a strong stance.... pic.twitter.com/CG3pAnN5Ip
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 16, 2025
Ukraine says it agreed to a prisoner swap with Russia
The head of Ukraine's delegation said that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a prisoner swap and, apparently, discussed a ceasefire during today's talks.
"We discussed an exchange of 1,000 for 1,000," the Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told Suspilne. "We are also working on other modalities for this exchange."
Zelensky calls Putin 'afraid' as peace talks erupt
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being too "afraid" to attend face-to-face peace talks in Istanbul. Direct negotiations erupted in accusations that Russia made "unacceptable demands."
But Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin and head of the Russian delegation, said he was satisfied with the talks, state news agency TASS reported.
Medinsky said a prisoner swap had been agreed and that both sides would present visions of a ceasefire. He said Ukraine had requested a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
Zelensky, speaking at a meeting of European leaders in Albania, said Istanbul presented "a real chance to take important steps towards ending this war, if only Putin had not been afraid to come to Turkey."
He added, "not just for a meeting, but to resolve all the important issues," but Putin didn't agree to anything.
An unnamed senior Ukrainian official at the peace talks in Istanbul taking place on Friday accused Moscow of introducing "unacceptable demands" that had not been previously discussed, The Associated Press reported.
This included calls for Kyiv's forces to withdraw from large swaths of territory they control for a complete ceasefire to be implemented.
Multiple world leaders hold phone call with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump today to speak about the position Russia held during the peace talks, which was "unacceptable."
The Guardian reports that Starmer said they were all "aligning" on their response.
No progress in Russia-Ukraine talks as Putin skips meeting
Following the conclusion of the recent Russia-Ukraine peace talks, early reactions suggest little to no progress was made.
A Ukrainian source familiar with the negotiations said the Russian delegation "did not have a mandate to make important decisions" and was "not ready to decide anything meaningful to end the war," CNN reported.
Although President Vladimir Putin called for the talks, he chose not to attend in person, sending a team led by a Kremlin aide instead. This move has raised doubts about Russia's commitment to resolving.
Zelensky urges tougher sanctions if Russia stalls peace talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday reaffirmed his country's readiness to end the war with Russia but warned European leaders that Moscow must face harsher sanctions if it continues to delay serious negotiations.
Speaking at a summit of the European Political Community in Albania, Zelensky said Ukraine is willing to take "all realistic steps" toward peace but questioned the intent behind Russia's participation in new talks held in Istanbul—the first direct discussions in three years. He called for expanded sanctions on Russia's energy and banking sectors if progress isn't made.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the call, accusing Russia of "playing games." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also criticized President Vladimir Putin for sending only a low-level delegation, and von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is preparing new sanctions.
The summit, hosted in Tirana, was also an opportunity for bilateral security and regional cooperation meetings. Albania, fresh off national elections, welcomed around 50 delegations. The next summit will be held in Denmark.
Pope Leo offers to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks
Italian outlet RAI reported Friday that Pope Leo is willing to serve as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia to help end the war, citing Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Parolin said the pope could be made available for a direct meeting between the two sides to encourage dialogue. He added that the Holy See would be "a very suitable place" for such talks.
Pope Leo echoed the offer, saying the Vatican is "always ready to help bring enemies together" so people can "once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace."
Starmer warns Putin will face tougher sanctions if talks fail
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that Vladimir Putin would face tougher sanctions if Moscow refused to negotiate during peace talks in Turkey.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is preparing additional sanctions packages against Russia.
Starmer emphasized that Ukraine's allies must support Kyiv and be ready to act on the recent ultimatum. Last week, the West warned Russia it would face "massive" sanctions unless it agreed to a nearly immediate 30-day ceasefire.
"Having issued that ultimatum, we must be prepared to follow through. Because if Russia won't come to the negotiating table, Putin must pay the price," Starmer said.
Marco Rubio departs from Istanbul
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is departing Istanbul following Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the first in three years.
First direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials end in Turkey
Turkey's foreign ministry confirmed that a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian officials has concluded.
The talks, marking the first direct discussions between the two sides in three years, lasted under two hours.
Zelenskyy says ceasefire is top priority in Istanbul talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire during early-stage talks with Russia in Istanbul, emphasizing that halting the violence is essential to creating peace.
"This must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy," Zelensky said, underscoring the urgency of the negotiations.
He warned that if Russia's delegation fails to agree to a ceasefire, it would reveal that President Vladimir Putin has no genuine interest in diplomacy.
Zelensky warns world must act if Russia uses peace talks as theater
Speaking from a European summit in Albania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to respond firmly if Russia's latest peace efforts prove insincere. His remarks came as Russian and Ukrainian delegations held direct talks in Istanbul—the first such meeting in three years.
"The world must respond, there needs to be a strong reaction including sanctions against Russia's energy sector and banks," Zelensky said from Tirana. "Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made."
Zelensky spoke about the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, saying it was essential to "stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy." If Russia refuses even that, he warned, it would be a clear sign that President Vladimir Putin is not serious about ending the war.
Turkey's foreign minister wishes luck to Ukrainian and Russian delegations as talks begin
Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, wished Ukrainian and Russian delegations "good luck" as peace negotiations started in Istanbul. At the meeting's opening, Fidan noted that this is the first direct contact between the two sides since March 2022.
He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, saying the ongoing war continues to cost lives and that progress must be made. Fidan described the talks as "technical" and said they aim to prepare the way for a future meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.
The talks follow a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who later said he would not attend. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is also not participating, saying he would only meet with Putin.
Trump says he's moving to set up talks with Putin soon
Trump announced Friday that he is working to arrange direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible. The move came after Putin chose to skip peace talks between Russia and Ukraine that were held in Turkey.
Speaking to reporters after a Middle East trip, Trump said he may call Putin soon for a meeting. "He and I will meet, and I think we'll solve it or maybe not," he said. "At least we'll know."
Trump said he was not surprised by Putin's absence, explaining, "Putin didn't want to go because he's not there." He added that he would be willing to meet Putin immediately, even as he prepares to visit his newborn grandson.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to participate in the peace talks, Putin declined a face-to-face meeting with him. Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the war, which has been ongoing since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelensky has accepted an American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has yet to agree and continues its military actions. Despite the Istanbul talks, officials expect limited progress.
Trump stressed the importance of a direct meeting with Putin to break the deadlock, saying, "I don't believe anything's going to happen... until he and I get together." He also highlighted the heavy toll of the conflict, noting that thousands of young people are being killed weekly.
What's on the table in the Russia-Ukraine talks?
The exact details of the discussions between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations remain unclear. Ukraine's defence minister, Rustem Umerov, who leads its delegation in Istanbul, has said that a 30-day ceasefire is a key priority. He also called for the return of all abducted children and a complete prisoner-of-war exchange.
On the other hand, Moscow has expressed a desire to end the conflict but has repeatedly declined the 30-day ceasefire proposal, arguing that its demands have not been met.
While these demands are not fully detailed, Russia has suggested that a ceasefire could give Ukraine time to rest its forces, recruit additional troops, and receive more weapons from the West.
\
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.