Russia avoids clear answer on Istanbul talks
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian dictator (Getty Images)
Russia avoids revealing the names of delegation members for the May 15 talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, according to Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
As Slutsky emphasized, during the upcoming meeting in Istanbul, negotiators will implement the framework "proposed by Putin". The Chairman of the State Duma Committee expressed hope that Kyiv would "listen to the Russian President's position."
When asked whether Putin would be part of the Russian delegation, Slutsky responded: "That's a secret."
For context, Slutsky was a member of the Russian delegation during the March 2022 negotiations with Ukraine.
In addition, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as cited by Interfax, confirmed that Russia is still preparing for the Istanbul talks. He added that the Kremlin will only announce the names of Russia's representatives "if Putin considers it necessary."
Possible Ukraine-Russia negotiations
In the early hours of May 11, President Putin rejected a proposal for a ceasefire but initiated to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, to be held on May 15 in Istanbul.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to engage in dialogue with Russia, but emphasized that any talks must be based on the implementation of a ceasefire, a condition supported by Kyiv, Washington, and the Coalition of the Willing.
Later, Türkiye confirmed its readiness to act as a mediator in the negotiations.
Furthermore, Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy of US President Donald Trump, emphasized that talks can only happen if a ceasefire is in place.
