Ukraine-Russia Talks: Confrontations Before the Meeting
May 15, 2025
The start of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul is marked by sharp confrontation. President Zelensky referred to the Russian delegation as 'decorative,' while Moscow responded with insults towards him. Key officials like Maria Zakharova and Sergey Lavrov attacked Zelensky's claims, highlighting a limited willingness for substantive dialogue. This situation arises during a critical time for international efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.