On the eve of the possible diplomatic meeting in Istanbul, announced by Vladimir Putin at a press conference on 11 May, confirmation arrives from Moscow: the Russian delegation will be present in Turkey and await the Ukrainian delegation. The names of the Russian representatives will be announced shortly.
The wait is growing to know the composition of the Russian negotiating team. The participation of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is considered probable, but not confirmed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has made it clear that Russia is ready for dialogue, but has not clarified whether President Putin himself will take part in the possible meeting.
The invitation to the face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky, launched by Moscow, seems to have been rejected by the Ukrainian president, although some Western media have suggested that it was Zelensky who proposed direct negotiations. A narrative that appears distant from the reality of official statements.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has publicly urged Kiev to immediately accept the Russian proposal, but Zelensky continues to stall, making a unilateral ceasefire on the Russian side a condition before any negotiations.
On the Russian side, there is no urgency. The current military situation appears favourable to Moscow, which has consolidated its positions and repelled recent Ukrainian incursion attempts in the Kursk region. According to Russian observers, Zelensky played his last strategic card to no avail.
Kiev’s rigid attitude has also cooled the enthusiasm of Washington, which in recent days has become more critical of the Ukrainian leadership, accused of not wanting to achieve peace with Russia.
The day of 15 May could clarify whether Ukraine is ready to reopen dialogue or whether the diplomatic phase will still be postponed. In any case, the initiative remains in Russia’s hands.
