Talks in Türkiye Loom as Zelensky Arrives, Russia Sends Delegation

Russia has confirmed who will be part of its delegation in Istanbul talks, Orda.kz reports, citing the Kremlin press service.

The delegation, headed by Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky, was approved several hours earlier and includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and four other experts.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Ankara for a bilateral meeting with President Erdoğan. Direct negotiations with Kyiv were proposed by the Russian President in Istanbul.

In response, Zelenskyy stated he "would wait for Putin in Türkiye personally" amid calls for a ceasefire "without any preconditions."

Donald Trump, currently touring the Middle East, had suggested he might attend the meeting if Putin were present. As it stands, there is no indication that either will attend.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Türkiye on May 14 and met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Senator Lindsey Graham in Antalya. Rubio is expected to travel to Istanbul to participate in the negotiations. 

Additionally, President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, are also expected to attend the talks in Istanbul.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova