Ermak: Russian attempts to link negotiations to 2022 will not work.

The Ukrainian delegation received intelligence data

The Ukrainian delegation, which met with the Russian side in Istanbul, received information that Russia plans to leave the city immediately after the first meeting, not remaining for further negotiations on the ceasefire.

According to Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, a Ukrainian diplomatic source revealed this intelligence data.

A Ukrainian diplomatic source claims the Ukrainian delegation... Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 16, 2025

Reactions from the President's Office

Andriy Ermak, the head of the President's Office, expressed his opinion on social media, stating that Russia is trying to create false associations with the previously held negotiations in 2022.

'The Russians want to create links to 2022. However, any references to those negotiations are only related to the city of Istanbul. This information pertains only to this city, nothing more. Any attempts by Russia to link this day to 2022 are false,' wrote Ermak.

Accusations of creating obstacles to the peace process

The Ukrainian side accuses Russia of creating obstacles to the peace process, particularly through the demand for the absence of American representatives at the negotiations.

'The Russian demand for Americans not to be present is seen as interference in the peace process. Ukraine did not impose any last-minute conditions - only Russia did. If there is nothing to hide, why not allow the Americans to be present? This demand from Russia may indicate their desire to simply waste Time, rather than work towards a result, and they do not want the Americans to see this,' a source told RBC-Ukraine.

The Ukrainian delegation began negotiations with Russia at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Representatives of Ukraine aim to achieve a complete and unconditional ceasefire in the conflict. Delegations from Turkey and the USA are participating in the negotiations. At Russia's request, American representatives are absent. The parties agreed on a bilateral format for negotiations, and the Ukrainian side coordinated its position with representatives of other countries before the meeting.