'First High-Level Dialogue' Russia-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ends Without Gains

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The first high-level talks since Russia's airstrikes on Ukraine, the Russia-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' meeting on the 10th (local time), ended without any significant outcome, according to CNN and other broadcasters.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held the talks on the sidelines of the regular diplomatic and security event, the 'Antalya Diplomacy Forum,' held in Antalya, a resort city in southern Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevl?t ?avu?o?lu, who invited both ministers, also participated in the meeting.

Although three rounds of negotiations have been held to discuss a ceasefire since Russia invaded Ukraine, this was the first minister-level high-level meeting. However, the talks were brief and ended quickly.

Minister Kuleba told reporters immediately after the meeting that Russia would continue its attacks until it achieves its objectives, and that their demand was surrender. He added, "We proposed a 24-hour ceasefire to address the most urgent humanitarian issues, but it appears there is another decision-maker within Russia, so there was no significant progress in the foreign ministers' meeting." He also stated that he proposed establishing a humanitarian corridor for Mariupol, a southern city surrounded by Russian forces.

Minister Lavrov said after the meeting that Ukraine was holding meetings for the sake of meetings, and that Russia would never again rely on Western countries and would endure this crisis.

However, both sides stated they would continue dialogue going forward. Minister Kuleba said, "Both sides agreed to continue efforts to find solutions to humanitarian issues," and that they would meet again when substantial discussions and solutions are expected. Minister Lavrov also expressed willingness to continue dialogue, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not refuse a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss specific issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.