On May 17, 2025, it became known that the United States expressed its readiness to stop arms supplies to Kyiv if Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire agreement. This was reported by several Ukrainian media outlets. The statement came amid talks in Istanbul, where on May 16, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held the first round of direct consultations since March 2022 under the mediation of Turkey. The Russian side, according to Reuters, put forward a number of conditions, including a cessation of Western arms supplies for the duration of the ceasefire.

The talks in Istanbul, held at the Dolmabahce Palace, were led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky on the Russian side and by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on the Ukrainian side. According to sources, Russia demanded a complete halt to foreign military aid to Kyiv, including arms supplies and intelligence, as well as neutral status for Ukraine and recognition of Crimea and four regions as part of the Russian Federation. These conditions, according to a Ukrainian diplomat quoted by Sky News, were perceived as “unrealistic.” However, the parties agreed to continue the discussions behind closed doors, focusing on humanitarian issues such as the exchange of prisoners of war. According to RBC-Ukraine, preparations for a major exchange in the “1000 for 1000” format have already begun.