UPDATED 11:25 AM EDT -- Russia-Ukraine Talks Begin - and End almost immediately; Russia Walked Out -- TALKS RESUMED!

FLASH: The Peace Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia began minutes ago in Istanbul, Turkey.  They ended minutes later!

Russia told Ukraine they must withdraw from the four territories (Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporozhe) in order to have a ceasefire.

Ukraine flatly refused.

The Russian delegation then stood up, said "Next time it will be five regions" and walked out of the room.  (CORRECTION: I have just been informed the Russians did not say "five" they said "Eight.")

It is not known if they will come back; the negotiations might very well be finished.

MORE from Hal Turner:

I am told the talks lasted a total of two hours.  Each side gave an opening statement before negotiations began.

When Russia put forth the item above, Ukraine complained that these terms are more severe than the terms negotiated in March of 2022.   

No kidding.

Back in 2022, Ukraine was told that future terms would not be as generous as what was being offered.  Ukraine scoffed.

Here we are, almost three years later, and, lo and behold, what Russia said back in 2022 is exactly precisely what Ukraine just got.  Tougher terms.

What part of this don't the Ukrainians understand?  They're LOSING.  Every day they lose more and more territory.

As of this week, on average, Ukraine is losing 50-60km² per week.   Once that rate reaches about 100km² per week, Ukraine will begin to suffer catastrophic collapse along its entire front.

Just this morning, it became clear that the Russians will make a bold move to cross the Dnieper River, in Kherson (Story HERE).  Once they do so, it will be a beachhead for further entry into Mykolayiv and then an absolute ROUTE all the way to Odessa.

Ukraine will lose ALL access to the Black Sea, except through the Danube River, bordering Romania.

The Ukrainians don't seem to understand they are losing.  They also don't seem to understand that the collective West is physically incapable of providing enough weapons to change the outcome.  

The head of Russia's negotiating team, Medinsky, reportedly told the Ukrainian delegation- "We don’t want war, but we’re ready to fight for a year, two, three, however long it takes. We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?"

Russia's victory is a fait accompli. The only ones who don't seem to see it are the Ukrainians - and their dimwit supporters.

Need proof?

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE EXCHANGED BODIES AGAIN!

• 34 bodies of dead Russian soldiers
• - 909 bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers
•  -> The ratio is now about 27 dead Ukrainians for 1 Russian … devastating.

UPDATE 11:25 AM EDT --

Talks between Ukraine and Russia RESUMED after the Russians initially walked out.

After additional negotiations, the following is the result:

The Russian negotiating team outlined results:

A large scale exchange of POWs, 1000 for 1000 ( Russia holds a hugely disproportionate number of Ukrainian prisoners)

Ukraine requests direct talks between Heads of State

Each side to present own view of ceasefire proposals pic.twitter.com/NkXTr4bS3G

— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) May 16, 2025

Statement Text:

"Dear colleagues, direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side, organized at the initiative of the President of Russia, have just ended. In general, we are satisfied with the results and are ready to continue contact. What we agreed on. First, in the coming days there will be a large-scale exchange of prisoners: a thousand for a thousand people. Second, the Ukrainian side requested direct negotiations between the heads of state. We took note of this request. Third, we agreed that each side will present its vision of a possible ceasefire and describe it in detail. After such proposals are voiced, we will, as agreed, continue the negotiation process. Thank you."