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World Leaders Criticize Russia’s Stance Following Türkiye Peace Talks

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Lucile Brizard
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World Leaders Criticize Russia’s Stance Following Türkiye Peace Talks
Poland’s PM Tusk, France’s Macron, Britain’s Starmer, and Germany’s Merz met at the European Political Community summit in Tirana on May 16, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

World leaders responded to the outcomes of the latest Russia-Ukraine talks held in Türkiye, expressing concerns over Russia’s stance during the negotiations on May 16.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his full support for Ukraine, characterizing Russia’s position as unacceptable. He stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was attempting to delay a ceasefire and that the UK would not permit such tactics.

“We just had a meeting with President Zelenskyy and then a phone call with President Trump to discuss the developments in the negotiations today, and the Russian position is clearly unacceptable,” Starmer said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia disregarded the reasonable demands put forward by the United States, Ukraine, and Europe. He noted that Moscow neither provided a response on the ceasefire nor agreed to a meeting that could produce substantive agreements.

“By refusing the ceasefire and the dialogue with Ukraine, Russia shows that it does not want peace, and that it seeks to buy time by continuing the war,” Macron wrote.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Russia of undermining the negotiation process, highlighting that the Kremlin refused to engage in dialogue and again presented unacceptable preconditions. He added, “Time to increase pressure.”

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a firm international response if it becomes clear that the Russian delegation in recent talks lacks genuine commitment.

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