Ukraine will send delegation to Russia talks in Istanbul

This was first reported by Reuters, citing its own sources.

The news agency said Kyiv wanted to send representatives to assess whether the Russian side is authorized to make any decisions. A source speaking on condition of anonymity said that if the Russian delegation is ready for “serious talks,” Ukraine may engage with them.

But if the Russian delegation failed to show any kind of serious approach towards the talks, "we will have the right to conclude that this is a Russian charade, not meaningful work for peace", the source said.

Later, at a press conference, Zelenskyy said he would send a delegation to the talks. It will be headed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to him, the minister is fluent in Ukrainian, Turkish, English and Russian.

What’s known about Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey

In a May 11 address, Vladimir Putin claimed he was open to direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next week but dismissed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire. Donald Trump responded by saying he would continue working with both sides and called the coming week “a big one.”

On May 12, the German government said that unless Russia agrees to a ceasefire by the end of the day, European partners would begin preparing new sanctions. The Kremlin responded by saying it rejected “the language of ultimatums.”

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not meet with any Russian official in Turkey on May 15 — except Vladimir Putin himself. Zelenskyy later confirmed he plans to travel to Turkey for a potential meeting with Putin.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that talks in Istanbul must include recognition of the “realities on the ground”—referring to Russia’s claimed annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories.

President Zelenskyy said that if a meeting with Putin takes place, he will push for a full ceasefire and a complete prisoner exchange.

On the evening of May 14, Russia released the names of its negotiating team for the talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later clarified that Putin would not attend the negotiations.