Russian Gazprom has suspended the gas hub project in Turkey, which was supposed to be a way to return to the European market. Turkey has no export capacity, and the EU plans to ban gas from russia.
Ukraine will contact partners from Europe and the USA after the meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. Ukraine wants them to closely monitor the agenda.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the agreement on the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. The parties also initiated a new meeting at the end of June.
Dovile Šakaliene stated that Russia does not respect the peaceful efforts of the United States and continues its offensive in Ukraine. She believes that the only way to stop the aggressor is military deterrence.
Russia has not yet submitted the promised "memorandum" regarding negotiations to any of the parties, while carrying out massive air attacks on Ukraine. Sybiga emphasized the lack of real steps towards peace on the part of the Russian Federation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a telephone conversation with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev that efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing.
Zelensky said that Ukraine and partners do not have information about Russia's goals at the meeting in Istanbul. He emphasized the need for a serious approach of the Russian Federation to the negotiations.
Andriy Yermak stated the need to stop the supply of weapons from the DPRK to the Russian Federation and to stop the offensive. He called for demanding action, not just loud statements.
The President of Turkey expressed hope that the meeting of delegations in Istanbul will give impetus to the peace process. He also stressed the importance of continuing negotiations to achieve a lasting peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding a possible meeting in Istanbul. They discussed a four-way meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United States.
Turkish President Recep Erdogan spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy about relations between the countries and preparations for negotiations in Istanbul. Turkey will continue its efforts for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The President of Ukraine announced a planned conversation with Erdogan to add real substance to a possible meeting. He also noted that neither Ukraine nor Turkey have information about the Russian "memorandum".
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey and Erdogan for their support in the release of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. They also discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will soon arrive in Ukraine after a visit to Russia. During the meeting, peace efforts and bilateral cooperation will be discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its mediation and identified three realistic locations for negotiations with the Russian Federation. He rejected Russia's proposal regarding Belarus and awaits sanctions from the United States.
The Trump administration has issued orders to ease sanctions on Syria to help the country rebuild after the war. The US Treasury Department has issued a license allowing transactions involving the Syrian government.
In Istanbul, about 70 people were detained, including 49 city hall officials, including the head of security and heads of municipal enterprises. They are accused of corruption crimes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that he does not plan to run for president after 2028. He aims to enhance the country's reputation, rather than seek re-election.
On May 18, 2025, no enemy missile carriers were recorded in the Black and Azov Seas. There are 3 enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles.
Turkish company Türkiye has discovered a new gas field in the Black Sea. The reserves will be able to supply households with gas for approximately 3.5 years.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated the importance of a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized the readiness of the parties for direct negotiations in Istanbul.
A trilateral meeting between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey is scheduled for 12:30.
European supporters of Ukraine are preparing for increased sanctions against Vladimir Putin due to his refusal to participate in negotiations regarding Ukraine in Turkey.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed negotiations, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and the Russian offensive with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ukraine does not recognize the occupied territories as Russian.
In Ankara, the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey discussed security guarantees, including in the Black Sea. They also discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine with the participation of Turkish companies.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that initially Ukraine was under more pressure than Russia to cease fire. Ukraine has shown its willingness to compromise for the sake of peace, but the pressure should be on the aggressor.
The Russian delegation views the negotiations in Istanbul as a continuation of the peace process interrupted in 2022. According to Medinsky, the delegation is настроєна on конструктив and searching for a solution to the conflict.
Turkey is ready to host Ukraine and Russia for continued dialogue if both sides are willing. Erdoğan stressed that negotiations are important to avoid casualties.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not respect Erdogan and Trump by sending a delegation to Turkey.
The Ukrainian delegation is heading to Istanbul for negotiations with the participation of the USA, Turkey and Russia. Zelensky expressed hope that the meeting will not be just for show.