Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to put forward tough conditions at the upcoming talks in Istanbul on May 15, 2025, essentially demanding Ukraine's capitulation. This was reported by the British publication The Times, citing sources close to the Russian delegation. According to the publication, Moscow insists on a change of power in Kyiv, Ukraine's complete refusal to join NATO, as well as territorial concessions, including recognition of Crimea, the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, the LPR and DPR as part of Russia. These demands are in sharp contrast to Kyiv's position, which makes the prospects for negotiations extremely uncertain.

The talks in Istanbul were initiated by Russia on May 11, when Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov declared his readiness for dialogue, taking into account the results of the 2022 meetings and the current situation on the front. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists on a 30-day ceasefire from May 12 as a mandatory condition, which was rejected by Moscow: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russia considers discussing the root causes of the conflict a priority.

Kyiv's position remains intransigent. Zelensky is ready to participate in negotiations, but demands the complete withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, which contradicts Moscow's demands. The West supports Ukraine: according to Bloomberg, NATO will allocate €2025 billion to Kyiv in 40, including air defense systems and armored vehicles. Germany, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, is preparing to supply about 100 Taurus missiles, which could strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces' positions. US President Donald Trump called on the parties to compromise.