Russia-Turkey Talks in Istanbul: Ukraine's Absence Raises Questions

Russia and Turkey Hold Talks Amidst Ukraine's Absence Istanbul, Turkey – In a significant development, Russia and Turkey engaged in high-level talks in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, despite the notable absence of Ukrainian representatives. The meeting, held at the historic Dolmabahçe Palace, saw Russian Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky meet with Hakan Fidan, Turkey's National Intelligence Organization head. The discussions lasted approximately an hour. The Russian delegation's position was reportedly finalized following a pre-departure meeting in the Kremlin, attended by key figures including Dmitry Medvedev, Sergey Shoigu, and Denis Manturov. This suggests a coordinated and carefully planned approach from the Russian side. While the exact content of the talks remains undisclosed, the absence of Ukraine raises questions about the future trajectory of negotiations. The event underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict. The lack of Ukrainian participation may indicate a shift in strategies or a breakdown in diplomatic efforts. Further developments are expected to shed more light on the implications of this meeting.