The first talks going on in Turkey to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine have ended. Delegations from both countries attended this conversation in Istanbul, which was mediated by Turkish officials. This conversation lasted for about 2 hours. Its results are yet to come out. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustam Umarov and the Russian delegation was led by Putin’s ally Vladimir Mendinsky. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on since February 2022. This is the first time in the last 3 years that direct talks were held between the two countries regarding peace. Before the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he took this decision because he respects US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Erdogan. Zelensky said that the Russian delegation does not include anyone who actually takes decisions. Putin refused to join the talks Earlier there were talks of Zelensky and Putin joining the peace talks, but on Thursday the Kremlin said that Putin would not attend it. After Putin’s decision not to attend the peace talks, Trump said, “I don’t think anything is going to happen until Putin and I come together, whether you like it or not. But we have to solve this because a lot of people are dying.” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin has no plans to meet Trump in the coming days. Zelensky said – will never give our land to Russia Zelensky has earlier clearly said that Ukraine will never consider those areas as part of Russia, which are currently occupied by Russia. He also told that the peace talks will move forward, but Ukraine will not compromise on its land. The land belongs to Ukraine and it will always remain Ukraine’s. Russia has repeatedly demanded that four areas of Ukraine and Crimea be considered part of Russia. Crimea was captured by Russia in 2014. The government of former US President Donald Trump had earlier indicated that Ukraine may not be able to get back all its old areas. Zelensky said – if Russia does not agree, more sanctions will be imposed Zelensky also said that if Russia does not take any concrete steps to end the ongoing war against Ukraine, then even tougher sanctions will be imposed on it. The US and European countries have warned Russia that if it does not sign the US-backed 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal, new sanctions will be imposed against it. Many European countries had also said that if Russia did not stop the fighting by Monday, they would impose ‘big’ and tough sanctions on it. However, this deadline was changed because there was hope that a meeting could be held between Russia and Ukraine this week. Zelensky said that Ukraine is moving towards such steps which will find a way to end the war, but efforts from Ukraine alone are not enough. He said that there should be pressure from both sides. That is why he wants the US, Europe and the rest of the countries to put concrete pressure on Russia and President Putin – at least through new sanctions. Also read this news related to Ukraine-Russia peace talks… Putin offered direct talks to Ukraine: Zelensky said – this is a positive sign, expressed hope that the 30-day ceasefire proposal will be approved. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine. Putin said that he can talk to Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. The proposal came hours after Kiev and European leaders announced an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from May 12. However, Putin has rejected the ultimatum to agree on a ceasefire with Ukraine. Read the full news here…
