Erdogan Calls for Destruction of Israel During Eid Prayer Amid Rising Tensions

Ukraine and Russia have engaged in a second round of negotiations in Istanbul aimed at facilitating a large-scale prisoner exchange and discussing a potential ceasefire. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, the talks concluded with “good progress on the humanitarian front,” although no agreement was reached on Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted a new approach for the prisoner exchange, which will categorize prisoners rather than focus solely on numbers. The exchange will prioritize “severely wounded or critically ill prisoners” and young soldiers aged 18 to 25, implementing a system of 1,000 for 1,000. Additionally, both sides agreed to exchange 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers. Amid these developments, Ukraine presented a list of children reportedly deported to Russia during the conflict, with Umerov emphasizing their return as a fundamental priority. However, the Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, denied allegations of systematic abduction. The negotiations on a ceasefire are complicated by Russia’s stipulations, including a halt to Western military support for Ukraine.

In a significant diplomatic effort, Turkish officials hosted the first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, since the onset of the war. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the urgency of achieving a ceasefire “as soon as possible.” Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the meeting, delegating aide Vladimir Medinsky to represent Moscow instead. U.S. President Donald Trump defended Putin's absence, stating, “Why would he go if I’m not?” Trump further claimed that a meeting between himself and Putin is essential for any peaceful resolution. Ukrainian officials reiterated their demand for an unconditional ceasefire, while NATO Chief Mark Rutte criticized Russia’s choice to send a lower-level delegation, labeling it a “big mistake.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced forthcoming sanctions against Moscow, reflecting the heightened tensions and differing perspectives of Western leaders on the ongoing conflict.

Russia and Ukraine are set to hold their first direct peace talks in three years on Friday, brokered by Turkey in Istanbul, amid expectations of limited progress, according to officials. A Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is scheduled to meet with a lower-level Russian team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. The talks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who criticized Russia's negotiating team as insufficient for serious discussions. Despite Zelenskyy's offer for a U.S. and European-backed 30-day ceasefire, Russian officials have imposed strict conditions that effectively reject the proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed the necessity of a meeting with Putin to help resolve the deadlock. In preparation for the talks, Ukrainian officials coordinated with national security advisers from the U.S., France, Germany, and the UK. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated low expectations for significant outcomes, suggesting that a breakthrough might only arise from discussions between Trump and Putin.