Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul to kick off shortly Delegations unveiled

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to begin at 10:00 local time (11:00 GMT+4) in the working office of the Turkish President at the Dolmabahce Palace.

The negotiations will take place behind closed doors, with no press access permitted, according to Caliber.Az.

The Ukrainian delegation will include such key government officials as head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Presidential Advisor Igor Zhovkva. 

On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree appointing the following officials to represent Russia:

Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky;

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, 

Head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov,

Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. 

Earlier, it was reported that President Putin will not be part of the Russian delegation. 

After the Kremlin confirmed Putin's absence, a US official said Trump would also skip the meeting, though he had earlier said he was considering participation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged the Russian leader to meet with him in person during the talks, arguing that his attendance, or lack thereof, would show whether Moscow was ready to negotiate in good faith.

Russia and Ukraine are set to hold their first direct talks in years, with Moscow coming under intensifying pressure to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to attend the meetings, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.

By Sabina Mammadli