Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya has confirmed that Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky made direct threats against the Ukrainian side during negotiations in Istanbul on May 16. Kyslytsya shared this information on social media platform X.
Medinsky allegedly quoted as saying Russia is prepared to fight forever, and may lose more of their loved ones if Ukraine doesn’t comply with Moscow’s demands. The Russian delegation presented ultimatum-like conditions to the Ukrainian side, including surrendering territories and dropping claims for reparations.
During the talks, Medinsky declared that Russia will continue fighting Ukraine indefinitely and even threatened to seize Sumy and Kharkiv regions. He reportedly asked Ukraine how long they are ready to fight, referencing their 21-year conflict with Sweden.
Source: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/52877