Bloomberg: Russia put forward five maximalist demands in negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul.

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia ended without an agreement

The first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in three years concluded on Friday in Istanbul without a ceasefire agreement. The Russian delegation made a series of tough demands that effectively require the capitulation of Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, the Russian side voiced the following list of demands during the negotiations in Turkey:

• Ukraine must accept a neutral status without the presence of foreign troops or weapons of mass destruction
• Kyiv must renounce claims for military reparations from Russia
• Ukraine must recognize the loss of Crimea and four other regions that Russian troops do not fully occupy
• Withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these regions and their actual capitulation
• International recognition of all five regions as part of Russia

The Russian delegation stated that Putin would agree to a ceasefire only after Ukraine withdraws its troops from these regions and surrenders them

Leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, along with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, had a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss further steps following the failed negotiations.

Reactions from European and American officials

The European Union is preparing to adopt a new package of sanctions aimed at the 'shadow fleet' of Russian oil tankers as early as next week. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed hope for a strengthened U.S. position and called for action regarding the situation in Donbas.