Earlier Friday, The Economist correspondent Oliver Carroll cited<\/a> a \u201cwell-placed source\u201d as saying that Medinsky had said \u201cWe don\u2019t want war, but we\u2019re ready to fight for a year, two, three \u2014 however long it takes. We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?\u201d in the negotiating room.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe some of those sitting here at this table will lose more of their loved ones. Russia is prepared to fight forever,\u201d Medinsky also reportedly said during the talks, which lasted just over 90 minutes.<\/p>\n State-run Rossiya 24 host Popov confirmed<\/a> that the Great Northern War was mentioned during the talks in Istanbul.<\/p>\n Popov also confirmed reports that Russian negotiators threatened to seize northeastern Ukraine\u2019s Kharkiv and Sumy regions \u2014 in addition to the five regions it has already annexed \u2014 if Moscow\u2019s demands were not met.<\/p>\n \u201cRegarding the statement made by the Russian side during the negotiations, one of our sources confirmed that a member of the Russian delegation did in fact say: \u2018If the four new Russian regions are not recognized now, in the near future, then next time there will already be six\u2019,\u201d Popov said<\/a>\u00a0during a television broadcast.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can confirm that this phrase was indeed voiced during the talks,\u201d Popov said, citing unnamed sources.<\/p>\n \t\tnews \t\t\t\tRussia and Ukraine Agree to Prisoner Swap After First Direct Talks Since 2022 A Ukrainian diplomatic source also told AFP on Friday that Russian negotiators demanded that Ukraine give up land that is still under Kyiv\u2019s control.<\/p>\n \u201cRussian representatives are putting forward unacceptable demands… such as for Ukraine to withdraw forces from large parts of Ukrainian territory it controls in order for a ceasefire to begin,\u201d the source told AFP.<\/p>\n Russia and Ukraine agreed to each exchange 1,000 prisoners of war following Friday\u2019s talks.<\/p>\n Negotiators from both sides also said they discussed the possibility of a ceasefire as well as a potential meeting of their countries’ leaders.<\/p>\n AFP contributed reporting.<\/p>\n A Message from The Moscow Times:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear readers,<\/p>\n We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”<\/p>\n These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.<\/p>\n We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.<\/p>\n By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tContinue\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Not ready to support today? \u00d7<\/p>\n \t\tRemind me next month<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t\t\tThank you! Your reminder is set.\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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