Russians spread false claims about peace talks in Türkiye, Ukraine says

On the morning of May 15, some Russian media outlets claimed that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul would begin at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time. However, Kovalenko emphasized that this is a fake and no such time had been scheduled.

"Russians are spreading lies in the media about the start of negotiations in Türkiye at 10 a.m. Moscow time. This does not correspond to reality. That time was never planned," the Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation stated.

Kovalenko did not rule out that the Russians are trying to manipulate the topic of negotiations, as Russian propagandists are spreading narratives claiming that "everyone wants negotiations except Ukraine."

"In reality, it's Russia that doesn't want peace, as it consistently avoids a 30-day ceasefire and genuine dialogue, while also spreading such lies," added the Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

Pro-Kremlin media reported that the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul on the morning of May 15.

Ukraine-Russia negotiations

Last week, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed to resume direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia starting on May 15 in Istanbul. This was his response to Ukraine's and Europe's ultimatum regarding a ceasefire.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he is ready to meet, but a ceasefire must come first. Later, Zelenskyy stated that he would travel to Türkiye for talks on May 15 but is only willing to meet with Putin.

Russia delayed disclosing who it would send to the negotiations in Türkiye. Late in the evening on May 14, the Kremlin approved the composition of the negotiating delegation, but Putin was not included. The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian President, who was also involved in talks with Ukraine in 2022.

To find out more on the negotiations in Istanbul and what Ukraine should expect, read our material on the topic.