Russian FM to skip Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, Kremlin yet to confirm delegation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will not be part of the Russian delegation attending the much-anticipated peace talks on Ukraine scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul.

This decision was confirmed by sources close to the Kremlin, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The development comes amid widespread speculation about the composition of the Russian negotiating team. Earlier reports, including one from The Washington Post quoting a former senior Kremlin official, suggested that the delegation might be led by presidential aide Yury Ushakov alongside Lavrov. Similar claims had circulated on Russian Telegram channels. However, Lavrov’s absence has now been confirmed, though the Kremlin has yet to formally announce the final lineup.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously stated that the composition of the Russian delegation would be revealed only after President Vladimir Putin makes a final decision. On May 12, Peskov indicated that President Putin has working meetings planned for May 15, but declined to specify their location, further fueling uncertainty around Russia’s level of engagement in the talks.

On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed his readiness to personally lead his country’s delegation. “Ukraine is prepared for direct and meaningful dialogue,” Zelenskyy stated earlier this week, signaling Kyiv’s commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution.

US involvement in the negotiations will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, both of whom are expected to arrive in Istanbul on May 16. President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential mediator, indicated that his own trip to Türkiye could be pivotal in determining whether President Putin will ultimately attend the talks.

The Istanbul summit is shaping up to be a critical moment in ongoing efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict diplomatically. However, the absence of senior Russian figures such as Lavrov, and the ambiguity surrounding Putin’s participation, may complicate prospects for progress.

By Vafa Guliyeva