Inside the Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul: Everything you need to know

Latest updates

03:48 p.m.

The meeting in Istanbul lasted a little over an hour and did not lead to significant progress, Axios reports, citing a Ukrainian diplomatic source.

03:35 p.m.

"Russia has made demands which are unrealistic and go far beyond anything previously discussed," Sky News reports, citing sources.

The source added that “There were other "non-starters."

03:22 p.m.

The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have ended. The meeting lasted less than two hours.

The conclusion of the talks was confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the media report that during the negotiations, Russia's demands were unacceptable from the outset and went far beyond what had been previously discussed.

03:18 p.m.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement during his speech at the European Political Community summit in Albania. He emphasized that Russia had sent to Istanbul the same delegation as in 2022.

He also highlighted that the negotiators sent by the Kremlin did not have the authority to make decisions, indicating that Moscow has not changed its fundamental approach.

"If it turns out that the Russian delegation is just theatrical and can't deliver any results today, then the world must respond. There needs to be a strong reaction — including sanctions against Russia's energy sector and banks. Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made.

Ukraine is ready to take all realistic steps to end this war. And we need a full stop to the killing long enough to give diplomacy a real chance," Zelenskyy said.

03:09 p.m.

According to an informed source, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations currently meeting in Istanbul are communicating through an interpreter.

03:00 p.m.

Close-up photos of the Ukrainian and Russian delegations at the negotiations in Istanbul have appeared.

Photo: Ukrainian and Russian delegations during the negotiations in Istanbul (Getty Images)

Photo: Negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul published in Russian media

02:10 p.m.

During the opening of the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on the parties to use this opportunity to move forward on the path to peace.

Hakan Fidan also stated:

• The visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ankara was an important step toward initiating these negotiations.
• This meeting is the first direct contact between Ukraine and Russia since 2022. The parties must seize this opportunity to make progress toward peace. Every day of delay means more lives lost.
• It is critically important to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible. This is an opportunity to reach a ceasefire alongside the negotiations.
• Together, the parties will determine - based on their preferences - what steps to take next. It is also very important that these negotiations lay the groundwork for a meeting between the leaders.
• Peace can be achieved through dialogue. Türkiye is committed to ending the war and establishing peace, and is also ready to make any possible contribution toward achieving peace.

Photo: Meeting of Ukraine, Russia, and Türkiye in Istanbul (Getty Images)

01:38 p.m.

The talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul have begun.

The footage shows the presence of the Turkish, Ukrainian, and Russian sides. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered a welcoming speech to the delegations.

01:10 p.m.

Ukraine accuses Russia of obstructing peace efforts, as Moscow began making demands ahead of the negotiations.

"We view the Russian demand that Americans not be present as an obstruction to peace efforts. Ukraine has not made any last-minute demands – only Russia is doing that.

If there's nothing to hide, then what's the problem with having the Americans present? This Russian demand may indicate that the Russians didn't come to work constructively, but rather to stall, and want to hide that from the Americans," a source told RBC-Ukraine.

12:57 p.m.

A meeting between Russian and US representatives has begun in Istanbul, Clash Report writes.

Meanwhile, Russia's Interfax reports that the head of the Russian delegation, Medinsky, met with a US representative ahead of the Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

12:51 p.m.

The head of the Ukrainian delegation and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov made a statement ahead of the negotiations. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a complete and unconditional ceasefire and direct negotiations at the highest level.

"Today we arrived in Istanbul to find real paths to a lasting and just peace," Umerov wrote.

According to him, peace is only possible if Russia shows readiness for concrete actions. This includes, in particular, a complete ceasefire for at least 30 days and the implementation of humanitarian steps such as the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children and prisoner exchanges under the "all for all" formula.

12:37 p.m.

Ukraine and Russia may also discuss the possibility of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, Reuters reports.

12:22 p.m.

There is a high likelihood that the Ukraine-Russia talks will take place in a bilateral format.

Sources told RBC-Ukraine that the Russians opposed the presence of representatives from the US and Türkiye during these negotiations. The presence of Turkish representatives may be limited to a welcoming address.

The meeting is expected to take place after 12:30. Among the top priorities for the Ukrainian delegation is a ceasefire.

12:00 p.m.

The trilateral meeting between Türkiye, the US, and Ukraine in Istanbul has concluded, according to media reports.

The meeting lasted approximately one hour.

Photo: Trilateral meeting in the Ukraine–US–Türkiye format (Getty Images)

11:44 a.m.

Russia opposes the presence of the United States at the negotiation table with Ukraine, according to Russian outlet Interfax.

At the same time, it's worth noting that there are no official confirmations or announcements yet regarding whether the US will directly participate in the Russia-Ukraine talks, and if so, in what capacity or who exactly will be involved.

Meanwhile, Turkish media previously reported that the talks would begin with a Ukraine–US–Türkiye format, followed by Ukraine–Russia–Türkiye. Yesterday, President Zelenskyy also stated that the Turkish and American sides would act as mediators during the talks with Russia.

According to the BBC, Michael Anton, Director of the Secretary's Policy Planning Staff, who is representing the United States at the talks, is expected to hold a meeting with the Russian delegation prior to the Ukraine–Russia negotiations.

He will first meet separately with Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation.

11:37 a.m.

The American leader will return to the US from his Middle East tour without attending the Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Türkiye. Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Donald Trump announced his return to the United States, adding that a meeting with Putin would happen "as soon as we can set it up."

Trump also stated that within 2–3 weeks, “the world will become a much safer place.”

10:51 a.m.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that trilateral talks between the delegations of Ukraine, the United States, and Türkiye have begun in Istanbul.

10:45 a.m.

A meeting of representatives from Ukraine, the US, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom was held in Istanbul.

According to an informed source, the meeting included Zelenskyy's chief aide Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who met with national security advisors from France, Germany, and the UK, as well as US Special envoy Keith Kellogg.

10:35 a.m.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Istanbul ahead of the Ukraine–Russia negotiations, Anadolu reports.

Previously, he stated he would not participate in talks with the Russian side due to the low level of the Russian delegation.

10:24 a.m.

Media outlets have revealed who will represent the US in the talks in Istanbul.

Reuters, citing a State Department spokesperson, reports that Michael Anton, Director of the Secretary's Policy Planning Staff, will represent the American side. His name had not previously been mentioned among potential US representatives for the Russia–Ukraine negotiations.

Michael Anton, Director of the Secretary's Policy Planning Staff (Photo: state.gov)

What is known about the talks format

Neither side announced the start time of the negotiations in advance. However, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, later said the Russian side would wait for Ukrainian officials from 10:00 a.m. for the meeting.

The meeting is expected to take place at the Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus shore. The Ukrainian delegation was to arrive in Istanbul from Ankara late the previous evening. It is worth noting that various formats of the negotiations are expected.

For example, the Turkish news outlet Anadolu wrote that negotiations in Istanbul are scheduled today at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. First, there will be a meeting in the format Ukraine - USA - Türkiye, then Ukraine - Russia - Türkiye.

However, according to a Reuters source, it is unknown whether the four-party format including the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye will take place.

Although, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who held a press conference in Ankara yesterday, the American and Turkish sides will be involved in Ukraine-Russia negotiations as mediators.

Who represents Ukraine

Yesterday, by presidential decree, a delegation was formed to participate in the negotiation process on May 15-16 with international partners - the delegations of Türkiye and the USA - as well as representatives of Russia.

The Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Also included are:

• Serhii Kyslytsia – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
• Oleksandr Poklad – Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine;
• Oleh Luhovskyi – First Deputy Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine;
• Oleksii Shevchenko – Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Vadym Skibitskyi – Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine;
• Yevhen Shynkariov – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Oleksandr Diakov – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Oleksii Malovatskyi – Head of the Department of International and Operational Law of the Central Legal Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Oleksandr Sherikhov – Senior Officer of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Heorhii Kuzmychov – Protocol Officer of the Office for Support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
• Oleksandr Bevz – Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

According to the decree, the head of the delegation may make changes to its composition with the consent of the President of Ukraine.

Umerov is also authorized to involve, in an established manner, employees of state bodies, enterprises, institutions, organizations, scientific advisers, and experts to support the work of the Ukrainian delegation.

President Zelenskyy will not be in Istanbul due to the fact that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin did not come to the negotiations. Thus, the Ukrainian leader traveled from Türkiye to Albania for the European Political Community Summit.

Who is in the Russian delegation

The Russian delegation composition, long kept secret by the Kremlin, turned out to be low-level. It is headed by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky, who also represented Russia in negotiations in 2022. The list also includes:

• Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia;
• Igor Kostyukov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff;
• Alexander Fomin, Deputy Defense Minister for International Cooperation.

Additionally, the Kremlin approved a group of so-called "experts" for the negotiations, including:

• Alexander Zorin, First Deputy Head of Information Department of the Russian General Staff;
• Elena Podobreyevska, Deputy Head of the Kremlin's Department for State Humanitarian Activities;
• Alexey Polishchuk, Director of the Second Department for CIS Countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry;
• Viktor Shevtsov, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense.

The composition of the Russian delegation yesterday caused a wave of criticism because the persons representing Russia in Istanbul lack sufficient mandate or political weight to make decisions.

Zelenskyy stated yesterday that Ukraine is represented at the negotiations in Türkiye at a high level, whereas "it looks more like a sham." The Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna considers the Russian delegation composition "a slap in the face" for Ukraine and NATO allies.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian president explained that out of respect for Presidents Trump and Erdoğan, he still decided to send the Ukrainian delegation to negotiate with Russia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already stated that he does not place high hopes on the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations, as Russia has sent a “lower-level group.”

According to him, no breakthrough will occur until a personal meeting takes place between President Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Other parties

It is also known that Rubio will be in Istanbul but will not participate in negotiations with representatives of the aggressor country since the Kremlin sent a lower-level group.

Instead, he will meet with the Ukrainian delegation, as well as with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Turkish colleagues.

Also, expected to be present from the USA in Istanbul are special envoys of the American president - Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.

Rubio assumes the negotiations will take place between Ukraine and Russia with representatives from Türkiye and "someone" from the US team or members of the American delegation "at the appropriate level."

What Ukraine and Russia want to discuss

According to Zelenskyy, the main goal of the Istanbul negotiations is a ceasefire, for which the Ukrainian delegation has a mandate. If an unconditional ceasefire is achieved at the technical group level, then, in the president’s opinion, a meeting at the leaders’ level may not be necessary.

As WSJ reported citing unnamed Ukrainian officials, Ukraine intends only to discuss how to implement and monitor an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration if it meets the Russian team.

The head of the Russian delegation Medinsky, in turn, stated that the Russian side views the Istanbul negotiations "as a continuation of the 2022 talks." He said Putin held a meeting yesterday where "he set the task and defined Russia’s negotiation position."

"The delegation is committed to constructive dialogue, seeking possible solutions and points of contact. The goal of direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side is to eventually establish long-term peace by eliminating the root causes of the conflict," he said.

Medinsky added that the Russian delegation supposedly "has all necessary competencies" and "powers" to conduct the negotiations.

Background

The last time the Russian and Ukrainian sides held negotiations was in 2022, but they ended unsuccessfully and finally stopped in May when the world discussed atrocities committed by the occupiers in Bucha and beyond.

The initiator of direct talks in Türkiye was Putin. The Kremlin leader on the night of May 11, 2025, proposed to hold direct negotiations "without conditions" in Istanbul as a counter-offer after Ukraine and the Coalition of the Willing called on Russia for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12. If Moscow refuses, Ukraine’s partners threatened sanctions.

The President of Ukraine agreed to the direct talks proposal and suggested a personal meeting with the Kremlin leader in Türkiye. Yesterday, Zelenskyy arrived for the negotiations with a high-level delegation. Meanwhile, Putin refused to go and sent a low-level delegation to Istanbul.

Trump considered participating in the Ukraine-Russia negotiations if Putin attended. Ultimately, the US leader said he would most likely return to Washington after his Middle East tour.

He believes that a personal meeting with Putin is necessary to advance negotiations. However, when such a meeting might take place is still unknown.

More about yesterday’s day in Türkiye and what leaders said about the negotiations read in a separate RBC-Ukraine article.

Sources: Anadolu, CNN, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Sky News.