Russian-Ukrainian Istanbul talks unlikely to result in concrete peace steps, says expert

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

"It’s hard to predict what the meeting in Istanbul tomorrow will lead to. We’ll see everything tomorrow. Of course, I have serious doubts that the Russian leader will take part in this meeting. Today, the only remaining intrigue is whether Zelenskyy will meet with any Russian delegation or whether the Ukrainian delegation will meet with them at all. Probably yes, as we shouldn't show our American partners that we’re neglecting opportunities that arise. However, this meeting cannot, by definition, lead to any significant steps towards achieving peace. I doubt that the fate of Ukraine will be decided in Turkey tomorrow," explained Likhachov.

The historian noted that the main goal of the Russians is to achieve the lifting of American sanctions, as the economic situation in Russia has reached a critical level.

"Putin really wants to get rid of American sanctions and gain U.S. recognition of the occupied territories. However, his main goal in this meeting is economic interests. Putin understands that sanctions are like an economic noose around Russia. Today, the Russian economy has very poor prospects, especially if Trump achieves his goal of lowering oil prices," he added.

Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul

In a nighttime address on May 11, Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed he was ready for direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next week, but he dismissed the idea of a 30-day truce. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would keep working with both sides and predicted that the coming week would be “great.”

On May 12, the German government announced that if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by the end of the day, European partners would begin preparations for new sanctions. In contrast, the Kremlin stated that “the language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia.”

Advisor to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not meet with any Russian representative other than Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the talks in Istanbul with Kyiv should recognize the "realities on the ground," including Russia’s incorporation of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he will visit Turkey on May 15 to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also said he is ready to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.