Kremlin calls Putin's participation in Ukraine talks 'premature' in new statement

"A team of Russian negotiators has been prepared, and its composition has been approved by a presidential decree (Putin's - ed.). The delegation is already in Istanbul, waiting for the talks to begin," Peskov stated.

According to him, it is "premature" to talk about Putin’s participation, as it is unclear whether the Ukrainian side will arrive and how the negotiations will proceed.

Talks in Istanbul

Following the end of the three-day truce announced by Putin (May 8-11), Ukraine, together with its partners in the Coalition of the Willing, called on Russia to commit to a full 30-day ceasefire starting May 12. In case of refusal, the European Union threatened to impose severe new sanctions on Moscow.

In response, Putin stated that Russia does not accept ultimatums and proposed resuming peace talks on May 15 in Istanbul, where Türkiye agreed to serve as a mediator.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness for negotiations and a personal meeting with Putin.

However, the Kremlin concealed the composition of its delegation for some time. Late last night, it was revealed that Putin had sent low-level officials to Türkiye. The Russian delegation is headed by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's aide, who was already involved in the 2022 talks.

Today, Zelenskyy said that his arrival in Türkiye is already a message to Putin.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he was considering traveling to Istanbul to take part in the high-level negotiations if they were to take place.

However, today Trump changed his stance, now saying he may attend the talks, but only under certain conditions.

To find out more about the negotiations in Istanbul, read our material on the topic.