Zelensky Insulted at First Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Since War Began

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Istanbul: Insults and Pessimism. The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began took place in Istanbul on May 16, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request to meet with higher-ranking Russian officials was met with insults from the Russian delegation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called Zelensky "pathetic" and a "clown," while Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, referred to him as a "loser" and a person with "unknown education." Despite the acrimonious start, the talks proceeded, with the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Turkey, and the US also meeting to discuss the conflict. A US official expressed low expectations for the talks' success. The talks represent a small step towards a resolution to the ongoing conflict, but the harsh rhetoric underscores the deep divisions between the two countries.