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Zelenskyy Sends Delegation To Istanbul For Peace Talks As Trump-Putin Meeting Looms

May 16, 2025, 2:44 am

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a delegation to Istanbul for face-to-face peace negotiations with Russia, the first since March 2022. The move comes despite Moscow sending a lower-level delegation and increasing pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who claims any real progress hinges on a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Addressing in Ankara after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv would urge an immediate 30-day ceasefire. He made it clear that Ukraine’s attendance, under the leadership of Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, was a demonstration of support for peace and a signal to Trump. “In respect for President Trump and Erdogan, I have decided to send our delegation,” Zelenskyy declared.

The negotiations will take place at the historic Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Trump’s representative Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are likely to be present, though their functions are not clear.

Uncertainty shrouded the run-up to the negotiations, with Ukrainian and Russian delegations showing up in various cities. Putin rejected Zelenskyy’s appeal for a personal meeting, further lowering expectations of breakthroughs. Trump, however, indicated that any settlement is dependent on him and Putin sitting down: “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” he said.

Rubio seconded this view, stating that the only way towards a breakthrough is a Trump-Putin summit. The Russian side, headed by former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky, indicates Moscow’s seeming absence of serious purpose, experts opine.

Zelenskyy condemned the Russian strategy as one of trying to sabotage the process. “No agenda, no decision-makers it’s disrespectful,” he complained. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s actions look like an effort to demonstrate the sincerity of Kyiv while criticizing Russia for the lack of a willingness to bargain.

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul | VIDEOS

April 23, 2025, 5:32 pm

Istanbul was rocked by a string of earthquakes on Wednesday, the strongest of which measured 6.2, Turkey’s emergency management agency said. The quakes sent people fleeing buildings in panic, although there were no reports of major structural damage.

The quake, which struck during a public holiday, prompted panic among citizens across the city that spans both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Social media platforms were flooded with videos showing people rushing to safety after the tremors were felt.

Take a look at some videos:

#VÎDEO – Li Stenbolê erdhejeke bi hêza 6,2 pileyan çêbû û bajarên li derdora Stenbolê jî hejiyan

? Maleke li Zeytînburnuyê wiha diheje

#Erdhej #Istanbul #earthquake #Deprem pic.twitter.com/L6UvKJBWY4

— RudawKurdi (@RudawKurdi) April 23, 2025

After the earthquake in Istanbul, citizens took to the streets in panic. #Deprem pic.twitter.com/nCpZTHlmOR

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) April 23, 2025

WILD FOOTAGE ?

The Sea of Marmara during the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Istanbul, Turkey moments ago ?? https://t.co/VlAZZOBARc pic.twitter.com/EoAj8UB5Ea

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 23, 2025

The earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred at a shallow depth of only 10 km, with its epicentre roughly 40 km southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara.

In a post posted on X, ex-Twitter, Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said emergency teams had initiated “field inspections” and offered “best wishes to the victims.” The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) also called on the public to avoid any collapsed buildings.

While the quake triggered widespread panic, injuries were few. TGRT, a local television station, said that one individual was injured after leaping from a balcony during the shaking.

This disaster occurs more than a year since a catastrophic earthquake on February 6, 2023, when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and a subsequent intense shock hours later devastated 11 southern and southeastern Turkish provinces. That disaster killed more than 53,000 people in Turkey and another 6,000 in northern Syria, with hundreds of thousands of structures left damaged or destroyed.

Holiday Horror Averted: Strong 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Istanbul

April 23, 2025, 5:14 pm

Strong earthquake of 6.2 on the Richter scale hit Istanbul on Wednesday, causing vibrations in Turkey’s largest city and ordering evacuations, the nation’s disaster management agency, AFAD, said.

The earthquake, one of the most powerful to strike Istanbul in years, hit at 12:49 p.m. local time (0949 GMT) with an epicentre close to Silivri, some 80 km (50 miles) west of the city. AFAD said the earthquake had a shallow depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles).

While there were no reports of mass destruction immediately, the quake did result in panic and caused residents to evacuate buildings in both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul, a city that has more than 16 million inhabitants. Local television station TGRT reported at least one person was hurt after jumping from a balcony during the quake.

The quake happened during a national public holiday, with most people being at home or congregating in public places. Officials called for residents to steer clear of ruined buildings since aftershocks were still a likelihood.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) also monitored the earthquake, approximating the magnitude at 6.02 and setting the depth at 10 km (6.21 miles).

Emergency responders were sent in to survey the damaged areas, but by the late afternoon, there had been no reported structural failures or fatalities. Istanbul is situated close to the North Anatolian Fault line and is consequently very susceptible to earthquakes, giving rise to persistent concerns regarding the readiness of the city for an expected major earthquake.

AFAD remains on the scene and has told the public to be careful in the hours to come.

Russia, US To Resume Diplomatic Talks In Istanbul On April 10 To Ease Embassy Tensions

April 8, 2025, 10:54 pm

A new round of diplomatic consultations between Russia and the United States is set to take place on April 10 at the Russian consulate in Istanbul, a diplomatic source said on Tuesday.

The new negotiations come on the heels of a meeting in February also in Istanbul where Russian and American officials agreed to talk through issues having to do with the operation of their respective embassies. Those discussions, which were restricted to diplomatic staff and consular affairs, represent continued attempts by both nations to shore up bilateral relations.

As reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, the head of the Russian delegation will be Alexander Darchiev, appointed recently as ambassador of Moscow in Washington. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Sonata Coulter will be the representative on the US side. Both delegations will be exclusively composed of diplomats, and their attention will stay focused on bringing the work of the embassies and diplomats’ working conditions to a higher level.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry underlined that the negotiations will focus on technical and organizational issues related to the diplomatic missions, and not on more general political questions.

This increased activity follows efforts to contain strained relations between the two powers, especially in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. In February, both sides’ officials also sat down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss potential avenues to a resolution of the conflict, marking a wider diplomatic effort by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

While optimism is low, the Istanbul consultations are viewed as a step toward rebuilding trust and keeping channels open in a time of geopolitical turbulence. Analysts observe that even minimal diplomatic engagement has a decisive role in avert further downward spiral in US-Russia relations.

The next developments of the April 10 meeting should reveal whether or not the two countries can get beyond logistical coordination to meaningful diplomatic breakthrough.

Turkish Opposition Rallies For Early Elections, Imamoglu’s Release, A Battle For Democracy

March 31, 2025, 2:42 am

The Turkish opposition continues to demand early elections and the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, whose arrest on corruption allegations has triggered the country’s biggest protests in more than a decade. The protests are a big challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decades-long rule.

Since the arrest of Imamoglu on March 19, protests have broken out nightly throughout Turkey. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) organized hundreds of thousands to march in a mass protest on Saturday calling for his release. Imamoglu, who is considered Erdogan’s most powerful political opponent, is still jailed in Silivri.

With Turkey going into a public holiday for the end of Ramadan, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel launched a national petition calling for the release of Imamoglu and early elections. He promised to stage weekly protests throughout Turkey’s 81 provinces and Istanbul’s districts. “Ekrem Imamoglu’s only sin is being Erdogan’s opponent,” Ozel stated in a visit to Imamoglu’s hometown.

Meanwhile, authorities have responded with mass arrests. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 1,879 people have been detained since March 19, with 260 held in custody. Among them is Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, accused of participating in a 2023 anti-Erdogan protest in Stockholm. Sweden’s government has demanded his release, calling the charges “absurd.”

Even though Erdogan has referred to the protests as “street terror,” the movement keeps on gathering steam. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos criticised Turkey’s assault on journalists, stating that it is incompatible with the nation’s obligations to democratic principles.

As the opposition campaign gathers momentum, Imamoglu is adamant, making a promise through his attorneys, “We will find a way to be together.” The protests provide the juncture at which Turkey’s politics is tested for Erdogan’s control before the 2028 polls.

Gunmen Open Fire On Iraqi Consulate In Istanbul, Flee After Firing Multiple Shots

March 22, 2025, 3:10 am

Motorcycle gunmen attacked the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul on Friday night, shooting eight bullets at the exterior of the building before escaping, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli confirmed the assault, saying that there had been no reports of casualties or major damage. “The required investigation is being conducted assiduously by our security units, and identification procedures are under way. The attackers will be brought to justice,” Keceli said in a press statement.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said the attackers had AK-47 assault rifles but did not announce an immediate motive for the attack. Iraqi officials reacted by praising Turkey’s rapid response and by urging enhanced security to safeguard diplomatic missions in compliance with international commitments.

Turkish officials have begun investigating to try to identify and capture the culprits.

US And Russia Seek Diplomatic Reset In Istanbul Amid Ukraine War Shifts

February 26, 2025, 9:24 pm

US and Russian diplomats will sit down in Istanbul on Thursday to talk about issues of interest to embassies, a move towards improved bilateral relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed.

The meeting follows a shift in the foreign policy of the United States under President Donald Trump, who took office last month. He has since made efforts to seek further outreach with Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding high-level discussions for the first time in over three years. Among one of the top agenda items will be easing diplomatic tensions after reciprocal expulsions of ambassadors under the previous US administration of former President Joe Biden.

Speaking to Qatar on Wednesday, Lavrov underscored the importance of the talks to come. “Tomorrow, there will be such a meeting in Istanbul. I think its result will show how quickly and effectively we are able to continue,” he declared.

The Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed the session as a technical-level meeting of Russian and American delegations. “Turkey stands ready to offer all kinds of support to the efforts for peace, including accommodating negotiations,” said the spokesperson.

At an earlier meeting of Lavrov this month with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Riyadh, both sides said they would engage in negotiations for the war against Ukraine absent Kyiv. This marks a sign of greater convergence of Washington and Moscow at the expense of Ukraine.

Strains escalated last week when Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and urged him to act quickly to end the war. The US also joined Russia in two United Nations votes on Monday, abstaining from voting to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Turkey is meanwhile acting as a mediator, having hosted direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022.

IndiGo Sends Relief Flights To Istanbul To Repatriate Stranded Passengers

December 14, 2024, 10:34 pm

IndiGo is sending two aircraft to Istanbul to transport passengers who were stranded after their flight to Delhi was cancelled due to a technical issue on Friday.

Hundreds of IndiGo travelers had been stuck at Istanbul airport for over 24 hours due to delays in their flights to Delhi and Mumbai on Thursday. These delays created a ripple effect, impacting other flights on these routes.

Passengers expressed their frustration on social media about the prolonged wait and insufficient airport amenities.

Also Read: Over 400 IndiGo Passengers Stranded in Istanbul for 39 Hours

On Friday evening, IndiGo reassured passengers that they had taken all necessary actions to keep them informed, providing refreshments and accommodations where possible.

However, on Saturday, the airline confirmed that Flight 6E 12, operating from Istanbul to Delhi, had been cancelled due to a technical issue on Friday, further disrupting passengers’ plans.

“Alternative aircraft have been arranged to transport passengers to their destination. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate their understanding in this matter,” the airline stated.

IndiGo operates two daily flights to Istanbul with leased Boeing 777 aircraft, one from Delhi and the other from Mumbai.

Details regarding the number of passengers on the cancelled flight were not immediately available

Over 400 IndiGo Passengers Stranded in Istanbul for 39 Hours

December 13, 2024, 11:52 am

Over 400 passengers traveling on IndiGo flights from Istanbul to Delhi and Mumbai have been stranded for more than 39 hours. Flights 6E 12 and 6E 18, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, faced multiple delays and cancellations. By Friday morning, IndiGo had not provided a clear departure schedule.

Passengers Share Their Frustration

Travelers voiced their anger on social media. Shubham Bansal posted on LinkedIn, “I am one of the 400 passengers stranded in Istanbul since the last 24 hours. No response (or) updates from IndiGo. Is this how you run the airline?”

Another passenger, Anushri Bhansali, detailed how her flight was delayed twice, then canceled, and rescheduled after 12 hours. She expressed frustration over the lack of basic support like accommodation, meal vouchers, or assistance, adding that she felt exhausted and unwell.

IndiGo Responds to Criticism

IndiGo issued a statement acknowledging the delays and apologizing for the inconvenience. The airline stated, “We accord the highest priority towards customer convenience, and our teams are available at all contact points to assist customers.”

Airline’s Reputation Under Scrutiny

This incident follows IndiGo’s poor ranking in the 2024 AirHelp Score report, where it was listed as one of the world’s worst airlines. It ranked 103rd out of 109 airlines due to low customer satisfaction and poor handling of flight disruptions.

IndiGo dismissed the report, questioning its credibility and the transparency of the survey’s sample size in India. Despite this, passengers remain frustrated, demanding solutions and better communication.

Meet “The Boulder,” Istanbul’s Unlikely Top Tourist Attraction—A Stray Dog!

September 2, 2024, 12:24 am

In the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul, known for its majestic mosques, ancient bazaars, and rich history, there’s an unexpected star that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Meet “The Boulder,” a friendly stray dog who has become the highest-rated tourist attraction in the city, outshining even the most famous landmarks.

The Boulder: Istanbul’s Peaceful Canine Celebrity

Nestled near the bustling Şişhane metro stop, “The Boulder” is no ordinary stray. Despite the constant rush of city life around him, he exudes an aura of calm and tranquility that has endeared him to countless passersby. Visitors describe him as a living symbol of peace amidst chaos, and his serene presence has turned a simple street corner into a must-visit spot in Istanbul.

From Stray to Star

Istanbul has long been famous for its love of cats, with felines often seen lounging in cafes and roaming the streets. However, “The Boulder” has broken the mold, earning a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents and tourists. His peaceful nature and relaxed demeanor have made him a beloved figure, so much so that visitors have added him to Google Maps, where he is now rated as the top attraction in Istanbul.

A Symbol of Stillness

Jan Waligorski, a tourist who encountered “The Boulder,” shared his experience, saying, “Curled up on a bustling corner, he transforms the ordinary into the poetic, embodying a quiet resilience that whispers through the urban din. The Boulder’s tranquil spirit has woven itself into my life, teaching me the profound impact of stillness.”

The Unofficial Mayor of the Street

Locals affectionately refer to “The Boulder” as the unofficial mayor of the street. His laid-back vibe and constant presence have made him a fixture in the neighborhood, bringing joy and good vibes to everyone who passes by. One visitor humorously noted, “This absolute unit is a total legend! He’s just chilling all day by the side of the road, completely unbothered by everything around him.”

Have You Met The Boulder Yet?

If you find yourself in Istanbul, make sure to visit the Şişhane metro stop and meet “The Boulder.” He might not be a grand monument or historic site, but his quiet charm and calming presence offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Turkish embassy requires e-ATV for Indian, Nepalese travelers

April 16, 2024, 7:28 pm

Indian and Nepalese passport holders who are flying to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela through Istanbul Airport will now need to obtain the “Electronic Airport Transit Visa” (e-ATV), according to a recent announcement from the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi.

The announcement, effective from April 15, 2024, was posted on the embassy’s official communication channels. It stated that Indian and Nepalese travelers transiting through Istanbul Airport to the mentioned countries must obtain the e-ATV through the website “evisa.gov.tr.” This service will be provided free of charge, aligning with current practices.

➡️Important announcement regarding Indian & Nepalese passengers traveling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela via Istanbul Airport, starting from 15 April 2024: pic.twitter.com/7yfeJ0eqZv

— Türkiye in India (@TC_YeniDelhiBE) April 16, 2024

Passengers affected by this requirement are advised to carry a printed copy of their e-ATVs during their journey. Airlines and service providers will verify these documents at departure airports, as per international aviation regulations. Additionally, Turkish authorities will inspect the e-ATVs at the visa points in the transit passenger arrival area of Istanbul Airport.

This new regulation aims to streamline transit procedures and ensure compliance with visa requirements for travelers from India and Nepal transiting through Turkey to their final destinations in Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Bombing suspect arrested following explosion in Istanbul

November 14, 2022, 11:44 am

Following the explosion in bustling streets of Istanbul, a bombing suspect has been arrested. According Turkey’s interior minister Suleyman Soylu, the person is suspected to have planted the bomb.

Soylu accused the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) of causing the bomb attack. “According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible,” he said. Along with the person who suspected to have planted the bomb, police detained 21 other suspects.

Six people died and 81 other got injured when the blast hit the streets of pedestrian thoroughfare İstiklal Avenue.

Turkey President Erdogan terms Istanbul blast as terrorist act

November 14, 2022, 11:23 am

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay talked about the explosion which took place on Sunday in the center of Istanbul and called it a terrorist attack carried out by a woman.

On the pedestrian tourist street Istiklal, an explosion took place on Sunday in which six people died.

“We consider it a terrorist act, carried out by a perpetrator, who is believed to be a woman, detonating a bomb, according to preliminary information,” Oktay said.

Meanwhile, the number of injured people rose from 53 to 81 with which two are in serious condition said the senior officials.

Turkish Vice President Oktay has pledged to investigate and will bring those responsible for it to justice who are responsible for the terrorist act.

“According to the information that I have received from the city’s governor, the death toll is six people at the moment, and the number of injured is 53,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Moreover, as per the preliminary information president, Erdogan said that the blast was a terrorist attack.

“It would be wrong to say with confidence that this is a terrorist attack, but preliminary data, CCTV footage, and the first information provided by the governor to us indicates that it ‘smells like a terrorist attack,” Erdogan said.

However, India also expressed its condolence to the people who lost their lives in the fatal explosion in Central Istanbul.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi who is the official spokesperson extended sympathy to those injured and wished the people of Turkey a speedy recovery.