Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that… (захаров · переговоры · киев)
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that Ukraine behaved unconstructively during negotiations in Istanbul in summer 2025, describing the event as a 'circus on wheels,' but the talks resulted in a major prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000. She also stated that Turkey was the organizer, not a mediator.
Consensus
- Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul during summer 2025.
- A large-scale prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 occurred as a result of the talks.
- Russia sent a delegation to Istanbul led by Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to the Russian president.
- Ukrainian officials publicly criticized the composition and status of the Russian delegation.
- Turkey was the organizer of the meeting.
Points of divergence
- Zakharova stated that Ukraine acted under instructions from Western advisors. — riamo
- Zakharova mentioned that Russia would not reject real proposals from Washington on Ukraine, and Dmitry Peskov said the U.S. has signaled readiness to continue mediation efforts after resolving its own issues. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Zakharova Calls Talks with Kyiv in Istanbul a Circus — РИАМО
- Zakhrova: Kyiv organized a 'circus on wheels' around negotiations with Russia in Turkey — Вести