FILE PHOTO: Russian delegation at a press conference in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 23, 2025. © Sputnik / Kristina Kormilitsyna
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed approval of his nation’s negotiators during recent discussions in Istanbul, emphasizing the team’s professionalism and restraint. The remarks came during a media Q&A session following Putin’s four-day visit to China, where he highlighted the readiness of Moscow to elevate talks with Ukraine to a “truly high political level.”
Putin specifically praised Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, for his work. “I am satisfied with Medinsky’s performance. If there is a need to raise the negotiations’ profile, we are prepared to do so,” Putin stated, without naming potential participants in future discussions. He described the Russian team as exemplifying a “reserved and professional approach.”
Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed in Türkiye earlier this year under Medinsky’s leadership. This follows prior diplomatic efforts in early 2022 that failed to resolve the conflict. While recent rounds have not produced major breakthroughs, both sides have made strides on humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.
The negotiations remain stalled on core issues, but Moscow continues to frame its actions as measured and strategic. Putin’s comments underscore Russia’s insistence on maintaining control over the dialogue’s trajectory.