Russia-Ukraine peace talks to resume in Istanbul after 2 years soon? Zelenskyy, Putin send their delegations

In a renewed diplomatic push to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both Kyiv and Moscow have confirmed their participation in peace talks, which are likely to take place in Istanbul later on Friday, May 16, although key leaders will be absent from the negotiating table.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking from the Ukrainian embassy in Ankara after meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he will not personally attend the talks but confirmed that a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will represent Ukraine.

"I decided to send our delegation to Istanbul," Zelenskyy said, adding, "Not everyone will be present the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, and the Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov, will not attend but the delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. He will be joined by professionals, including military and intelligence officers."

I want to sincerely thank President @RTErdogan, his team, and the people of Türkiye for their support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. President Erdoğan reaffirmed during our meeting today that he supports Ukraine and recognises Crimea as part of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/jAdXRv6vio

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 15, 2025

'if an unconditional ceasefire will be discussed at level of leaders'

Zelenskyy remained cautious about the outcome, voicing concerns over the composition of the Russian delegation. "Unfortunately, we do not see any decision-makers among those who will represent the other side," he said. He also emphasised Ukraine's openness to discussions “if an unconditional ceasefire will be discussed at the level of leaders.”

On the other hand, the Russian side has already landed in Istanbul. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed the development, stating, “The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul and is ready for serious work.”

Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin proposes peace talks with Zelenskyy ‘without preconditions’ in Istanbul 

Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, leading the Russian delegation, said Moscow views the renewed dialogue as a continuation of talks disrupted in 2022. “Our team has the necessary competencies to conduct negotiations and will focus on ‘finding possible solutions’ and common ground through a constructive approach,” he said outside the Russian consulate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had earlier proposed restarting talks without preconditions, will not attend the discussions himself. The Kremlin stated that Putin chaired a preparatory meeting in Moscow before the Russian team departed.

The high-stakes dialogue comes amid heightened diplomatic activity in Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Antalya, said both Russia and Ukraine had shown willingness for a ceasefire “in principle.”

“I hope the talks to be held in Istanbul will open a new chapter for us. After three years of suffering, we now see a window of opportunity,” Fidan said. However, he acknowledged that Ukraine is seeking an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, while Russia insists on addressing broader modalities.

Also Read:'Very close to a deal': Trump urges 'very high level talks' between Russia and Ukraine 

'No military solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed support for diplomacy over warfare, saying, “There is no military solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This war is going to end not through a military solution, but through a diplomatic one.”

He reiterated Washington’s backing for the Istanbul talks, saying, “We will see what happens at the Istanbul peace talks, but we want to see progress.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also joined the chorus of diplomatic voices urging an “urgent” and “unconditional” ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)