Russia signals no compromise in Ukraine talks: Reports

Russia has ruled out any compromise in the ongoing peace talks with Ukraine, with top officials indicating that Moscow remains focused on achieving a decisive victory rather than negotiating a settlement, as per reports.

Former Russian president and current Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev made it clear that the purpose of the talks was not to entertain what the Kremlin considers unrealistic proposals from Kyiv, but rather to secure strategic and military objectives. 

Medvedev reportedly emphasised that any necessary military actions would continue and that Russia would take decisive steps against perceived threats.

The renewed talks in Istanbul on Monday reportedly had limited outcomes, with both sides agreeing to carry out a prisoner-of-war exchange and the repatriation of the remains of over 12,000 fallen soldiers. However, Ukraine’s request for an unconditional ceasefire was reportedly once again rejected by the Russian delegation.

Russia’s recent memorandum presented at the talks included demands for further territorial concessions by Ukraine, a declaration of neutrality, significant military downsizing, and new national elections. Ukrainian negotiators have dismissed these conditions as unacceptable.

The negotiations took place after a escalation in hostilities. Ukraine recently claimed responsibility for a large-scale drone strike targeting Russian strategic aviation assets deep within Russian territory — including airbases located in Siberia, the Far East, and northern regions such as Murmansk.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said the special operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web,” had been in preparation for more than a year and was aimed at disabling Russia’s long-range bomber fleet. The operation was reportedly approved at the highest level and overseen by President Volodymyr Zelensky himself.

The drone strike, seen as one of Kyiv’s most ambitious efforts to date, is expected to provoke further retaliation from Moscow. Medvedev hinted at this during recent statements, suggesting that any attacks on Russian military infrastructure would be met with a severe response.