Medinsky Raises Stakes in Turkey Talks: “We Fought Sweden for 21 Years. How Long Will You Fight?”

The first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022 were held on May 16, 2025, at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. According to reports, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, asserted that while Russia “does not want war,” the country is prepared to sustain its military efforts “for a year, two, three – however long it takes.” Medinsky referenced the lengthy Northern War with Sweden, asking the Ukrainian representatives, “How long are you prepared to fight?” This statement has been interpreted by some as a clear indication of Moscow’s commitment to pursue its objectives in the ongoing conflict.

The two-hour discussions, facilitated by Turkey, saw Medinsky leading the Russian side, while Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov represented Kyiv. The parties reached a significant agreement on a prisoner exchange, with 1,000 prisoners to be swapped for another 1,000—marking the largest exchange since the conflict began. However, no advancements were made regarding a ceasefire agreement. Russia insisted on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four partially occupied regions, a demand that Kyiv has deemed unacceptable. Additionally, Medinsky suggested the potential for further military action in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, indicating that Russian forces possess the necessary resources for such an operation.