Russia will send a delegation to negotiate directly with Ukraine

RT reported on May 14 that when asked by journalists whether direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Türkiye would take place, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov replied: "The Russian delegation will wait for the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul on May 15."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Photo: Tass.

Mr Peskov declined to reveal the members of the Russian delegation that will be in Istanbul. "We will announce it when we receive instructions from the President (Putin). So far, no such instructions have been given," Mr Peskov added.

On May 13, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that in potential talks with Kiev, Moscow wants to discuss "a sustainable solution to the situation, first of all, addressing the roots of this conflict and related issues, ensuring recognition of the recently developed realities, including the annexation of new territories to Russia."

Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov did not make any predictions about the outcome of the discussions, but stressed that Moscow is committed to negotiating "seriously and responsibly."

Previously, on May 10, Russian President Putin proposed that Kiev restart direct negotiations in Istanbul (Türkiye), which Kiev unilaterally abandoned in 2022. The Russian leader said at that time that Moscow was ready to return to the negotiating table without any preconditions.

After Putin's proposal was supported by US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, who had previously ruled out any talks with Moscow, also expressed his readiness. "I will wait for President Putin on May 15," President Zelensky wrote in a post on X network on May 11, emphasizing that Kiev was still waiting for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.

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