Uncertainty surrounds Russia-Ukraine peace talks as delegations gather in Istanbul LIVE UPDATES

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized the Kremlin’s response to Kyiv’s proposal for direct high-level talks in Türkiye, asserting that Russia’s lack of serious engagement signals an absence of political will to end the war.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ankara following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Zelenskyy called for increased political and economic pressure on Moscow to compel a shift toward genuine negotiations, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

"The Kremlin's behaviour after Ukraine’s proposal for direct talks in Türkiye between the two leaders showed that Moscow does not feel the need to end the war," Zelenskyy said.

"This is evidence that stronger pressure on Russia—both politically and economically—is needed."

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains fully committed to a just and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of international law and the UN Charter. “Everyone must respect the territorial integrity of a state. This has been echoed by President Erdoğan, our international partners, and of course, Ukraine,” he said.

The Ukrainian president also highlighted the symbolism and substance of Kyiv’s presence at the Istanbul talks, pointing to the high-level nature of Ukraine’s delegation as evidence of its readiness to move toward peace. “All of us here have a mandate—whether institutionally from the Ukrainian people or legislatively from our government—to negotiate concrete steps that lead to an end to the war,” he said.

In contrast, Zelenskyy pointed to the composition of the Russian delegation as a sign of disinterest in reaching meaningful agreements. “We all see what kind of representatives are sent by the Russian Federation. If their delegation does not have the authority or will to make decisions, then we cannot speak of a real effort to end the war,” he remarked.

He added that the absence of serious engagement from Moscow—whether through the level of its delegation or its decisions—suggests that Russia does not feel sufficient pressure to seek a resolution. “So there is a lack of political will. That means Russia does not feel it needs to end this war. Therefore, the pressure—political, economic, and otherwise—is not yet sufficient,” Zelenskyy stated.

He concluded by calling on Ukraine’s partners to impose further sanctions on Russia in the absence of progress. “If there is no ceasefire, no serious decisions, and no bilateral talks at the appropriate level, we are asking for sanctions that will serve as an incentive to end the war—or at least speed up negotiations.”

19:36

Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, has stated that Moscow’s team is approaching the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul with a constructive mindset, aiming to identify possible solutions and areas of agreement.

Speaking to the media, Medinsky emphasized the delegation’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue, Calliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“The delegation is in a constructive mood, to search for possible solutions and points of contact,” he said.

19:27

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate true leadership by engaging in unconditional negotiations, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to constructive diplomacy despite the circumstances.

Addressing a press conference in Ankara on May 15, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of direct talks without preconditions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict and the upcoming talks in Istanbul, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

“We must be consistent and constructive,” Zelenskyy stated, reiterating Ukraine’s position that the door to negotiations remains open. He stressed that despite the perceived low-level Russian delegation in Istanbul, Ukraine is committed to the peace process. “We have sent a delegation at the level of the Ukrainian Minister of Defence, specifically so no one can claim that Ukraine is responsible for the failure of these talks,” he explained.

Zelenskyy also addressed concerns about the potential disruption of negotiations, expressing frustration over the lack of high-level Russian participation in the upcoming talks. “The Kremlin leader must demonstrate leadership. If he is ready to negotiate, we should meet without any conditions. Let's meet. We are now in Ankara, we flew here, after that, we are sending a group to Istanbul. He is not here, he is not in Istanbul,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.

The president also pointed out the broader diplomatic context, noting the presence of key international figures at the Istanbul talks.

“The parties to the war are Russia and Ukraine. US Secretary of State Rubio is there. Türkiye’s foreign minister is there. Ukraine’s foreign minister is there. Where is the appropriate person from the Russian Federation? This is disrespectful—not only to Ukraine, but to everyone, especially Türkiye, which is facilitating this important meeting,” he added.

19:11

Ukraine and Russia are set to engage in direct talks today in Istanbul, aiming to address key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict and explore potential pathways to end hostilities.

As both sides prepare for this crucial dialogue, the positions of the respective delegations have been outlined, and significant statements have been made ahead of the discussions, Caliber.Az reports.

Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, addressed the press in Istanbul shortly after the arrival of the Russian team.19:01

Russia has expressed its willingness to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, with the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, confirming the country's readiness for discussions in Istanbul.

Speaking on the Rossiya 24 TV channel, Medinsky emphasized that Russia is open to continuing the dialogue process, which was initially interrupted, and is prepared to engage in potential compromises, Caliber.Az reports.

"We are ready to work, to resume the course of the Istanbul talks. Ready for possible compromises, for their discussion," Medinsky stated, signaling a renewed commitment from Moscow to engage with Kyiv in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict.

18:55

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has provided insight into why Ukraine agreed to enter direct negotiations with Russia, despite previously insisting that a ceasefire should be the first condition for dialogue.

Speaking at a press conference in Ankara on May 15, Zelenskyy explained the circumstances surrounding Ukraine's decision, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia's indication in the media that President Vladimir Putin was open to direct talks prompted an immediate response from Ukraine. "It was an opportunity. The Russians suggested in the media that Putin was ready for direct talks. I really reacted immediately. He said - I reacted, I said I would be on that date," he explained. However, Zelenskyy added that subsequent reports raised doubts about the actual possibility of the talks, leaving the situation uncertain.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that, despite this uncertainty, all parties should demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue. "I believe that all sides should demonstrate readiness for negotiations," Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels open.

While Ukraine is willing to explore negotiations, Zelenskyy reiterated that a ceasefire remains the critical first step. He underscored that if a technical-level ceasefire agreement could be reached, without the need for immediate meetings between leaders, Ukraine would not hesitate to move forward. "If an unconditional ceasefire is possible today at the level of technical groups without leaders - there are no questions, we don't have to meet," he said.

18:48

Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to hold crucial talks in Istanbul today, focusing on resolving the ongoing conflict and exploring potential pathways to end hostilities between the two nations.

The discussions are expected to be pivotal in shaping the next steps in the diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the war, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul, making their way to the Russian Consulate General, where a formal statement will be issued. The delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia’s negotiating team, arrived at approximately 17:20 local time.

At 17:30, Medinsky is scheduled to address the media, providing insights into Russia’s stance and expectations ahead of the talks with Ukrainian officials. The discussions are anticipated to cover key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict, including potential ceasefire terms, security guarantees, and other diplomatic avenues to resolve the crisis.

18:42

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again expressed concern over the low level of the Russian delegation for the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul, underscoring his disappointment that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be attending.

Zelenskyy stated that his decision to send Ukrainian officials to the talks was made out of respect for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump, who have both played pivotal roles in facilitating diplomatic engagement, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

During a press conference, Zelenskyy explained that his own participation, along with the presence of key Ukrainian officials such as the head of the Security Service of Ukraine and the chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Staff, would not serve a meaningful purpose without Putin’s involvement. He emphasized that the absence of Russia’s highest leadership made the talks less consequential and highlighted the need for a genuine commitment from Moscow.

“If Russia does not move to end the war, Ukraine will ask the US, EU, and the Global South to impose tough sanctions,” Zelenskyy warned, signaling that Ukraine would not stand idly by if Russia continues its military actions.

Earlier, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation and presidential aide, had stated that Russia was “ready to resume the negotiation process” in Istanbul and was prepared to discuss potential “compromises”. He reassured the press that the Russian delegation maintained a “working mood” ahead of the resumption of talks.

18:31

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Rustem Umerov, the country’s Defence Minister, will lead the Ukrainian delegation in the upcoming peace talks in Istanbul.

This decision comes as Zelenskyy confirmed he would not personally participate in the negotiations with the Russian delegation, which are set to resume after a long hiatus, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

The talks, which are set to take place in Istanbul, are expected to address key issues related to the conflict, with both sides exploring possible avenues for compromise and de-escalation.

18:23

Russia has declared its willingness to restart the negotiation process with Ukraine in Istanbul, which was previously suspended in 2022, and is prepared to explore possible compromises during the renewed dialogue.

The head of the Russian delegation, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed the development to journalists, expressing Moscow’s constructive approach to the upcoming discussions, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“We are ready to discuss and resume the course of the Istanbul talks, ready for possible compromises and to discuss them,” Medinsky stated, signalling a potential shift in tone from previous diplomatic stagnation.

Medinsky further underscored the seriousness of Russia’s intent by noting the composition of the delegation. “We have a working mood,” he said. “The delegation includes the leading staff of all interested agencies,” indicating broad institutional involvement in shaping Russia’s negotiation strategy.

The renewed talks are expected to focus on de-escalating the ongoing conflict and may serve as a litmus test for whether meaningful progress can be made through diplomatic channels after years of stalled efforts.

17:49

Head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky is scheduled to make a statement to the press at 17:30 Moscow time (18:30 GMT+4), according to a TASS correspondent.

The announcement will take place at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul. The Consulate has invited all interested members of the press to attend the briefing.

17:20

Ukraine is considering sending a delegation to Istanbul to the talks with Russia to see what Moscow's delegation has to say, a Ukrainian diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity.

The source noted that Kyiv aims to assess whether the Russian delegation is authorised to make meaningful decisions and whether Moscow is approaching the talks with genuine intent, Reuters reports. 

The source said if the Russian delegation was willing to have a "serious conversation", the Ukrainian side might engage with the team.

But if they fail to demonstrate a constructive approach, the source said“we will have the right to conclude that this is a Russian charade, not meaningful work for peace.”

17:04

US President Donald Trump has stated that no meaningful progress will be made in the Russia-Ukraine peace process until he personally meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” Trump said while speaking to reporters during his flight aboard Air Force One, Caliber.Az reports via Sky News.

Trump’s remarks come as Russia and Ukraine prepare for peace talks in Istanbul. Despite the diplomatic milestone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has downplayed the talks, criticising Moscow for sending what he called a "decorative" low-level delegation to the negotiations.

16:08

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that part of the US delegation is currently in Istanbul, where the Russian and Ukrainian delegations are scheduled to hold talks.

“As you know, our president is currently receiving Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ankara. The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul. Part of the American delegation is in Istanbul. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is here with us in Antalya. And all the European foreign ministers are here. There are a lot of discussions on this topic now,” Fidan said following an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers held in Antalya.

He added that Türkiye hopes for a positive result from the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Fidan emphasised the importance of continuing the talks and said that Ankara would continue its efforts as a mediator.

14:20

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the unfolding situation in Istanbul, where negotiations with Ukraine are set to take place, is “on everyone’s radar.” 

According to him, there is no doubt that the talks will be difficult, Russian media writes. 

"Everyone, of course, has Ukraine on their lips now because of the intrigue that is unfolding in Istanbul literally in these hours and minutes," Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting of the Diplomatic Club “Culture without borders: the role and development of cultural diplomacy.”

Lavrov also stated that negotiations on Ukraine in Istanbul should be given a chance, but there is no guarantee that everything will go smoothly. 

"On the contrary, there will definitely be problems, as it happened three years ago in Istanbul, when the initialled principles were ready to be put on the treaty paper, but the British vetoed the Kyiv regime to continue this process, which could have resulted in a settlement," the minister pointed out.

14:12

The date and time for the upcoming meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul have not yet been set, but there is no indication that the negotiations are being delayed, Turkish Foreign Ministry's source said.

“So far, there is no scheduled time for the meeting. In this regard, there is no talk of delays,” the source stated.

The source confirmed that a technical Russian delegation is already in Istanbul, and some US officials are also currently present in the city. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also arrived in Ankara on May 15. He will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the coming hours.

"We will think about what we will do, what our steps will be, after talking to President Erdogan," he said upon arrival in Ankara, adding that “the level of the Russian delegation” was not officially known to him.

13:08

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has responded negatively to CNN's question whether Vladimir Putin's participation in the Russia-Ukraine talks in Türkiye is possible. The Kremlin spokesman did not give any other comments, Russian media reports. 

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have been postponed to the afternoon at the initiative of the Turkish side. 

"Our delegation is in Istanbul, its composition is known, the relevant information was published on the Kremlin's resources. The talks have been postponed to the afternoon on the initiative of the Turkish side," the diplomat said.

12:31

US President Donald Trump has speculated on the reasons why Russian President Vladimir Putin will not take part in the negotiation process on the Russia-Ukraine conflict set to take place in Istanbul.

“Why would he go if I'm not going? I didn't think it was possible for Putin to go if I'm not there,” the president said in Qatar, when asked about Putin’s no-show, Caliber.Az reports. 

Meanwhile, preparations for the renewed peace talks in Istanbul remain fluid. According to Türkiye's NTV television channel, there is still no confirmation regarding the composition or arrival of the Ukrainian delegation. Informal sources suggest that the Ukrainian representatives might travel to Istanbul from Ankara following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The situation is described as “in constant dynamics,” with no official details yet available about the Ukrainian side’s plans. 

In contrast, NTV reports that the Russian delegation has already arrived in Istanbul, ready for the upcoming negotiations.

"As it has been stated many times, the Russian side is set for serious negotiations," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented.

11:14

Talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul were expected to begin closer to the afternoon rather than in the morning, a source told Russian news agency TASS.

"They were expected initially in the afternoon," the source said, despite earlier reports suggesting the meeting would begin at 11:00 GMT+4, Caliber.Az reports.

The Wall Street Journal writes that the agenda of the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Türkiye will include negotiations on ceasefire. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he wants to meet the Russian leader to discuss an unconditional, 30-day cease-fire proposed by the US that Ukraine agreed to in March, but Putin has prevaricated over.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to respond clearly to the proposal and continues to demand broad concessions from Kyiv, including what analysts describe as de facto capitulation.

Despite a lack of progress on the battlefield, Putin appears to view the current talks as an extension of the stalled negotiations held in March 2022, also in Istanbul. Those talks produced a draft agreement that would have significantly curtailed Ukraine’s sovereignty, but no deal was finalised.

Zelenskyy maintains that a cease-fire must come first before any broader political settlement can be discussed. 

Zelenskyy had urged Trump to join talks in Ankara, but the US president, who is on a tour of the Middle East, said at the moment he was unavailable. However, he later said that he would go to Russia-Ukraine talks on May 16 "if it is appropriate." 

In the latest development, the UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell is expected to travel to Türkiye to provide background advice on how Zelenskyy should handle the meeting. Powell’s consistent advice is not to do anything that alienates Trump, but encourage the US president to realise that Putin is the obstacle to peace, The Guardian writes. European foreign ministers are so far not expecting to be represented at the Istanbul meeting. 

By Sabina Mammadli