Intense diplomatic background is underway in the last critical hours around talks expected to take place tomorrow, Thursday (15.05.25) in Constantinople between it Russia and her Ukraine.
On the one hand the president of Ukraine Volodimir Zelenski, who will decide his next steps only when it becomes clear who will represent Russia In the conversations and on the other the Kremlin, which holds her mouth hermetically closed If the country’s President Vladimir Putin will eventually attend the negotiations.
Although initially seemed to be at least at ministerial level Foreignthe Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that Sergei Lavrov will not go to Turkey to represent Moscow.
Zelenski: I’m waiting to see who will represent Russia
“I expect to see who will arrive from Russia and then decide on what steps Ukraine should take,” Zelenski said in his evening video.
Indeed, he accused Vladimir Putin of being able to think about the conversations“Continues to hit Ukraine.”
“In fact, it is now more obvious to the whole world that the only obstacle to the consolidation of peace is the lack of clear will of Russia,” he added.
Today we held several meetings with the team regarding the format in Türkiye. I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take. So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing.
We also hear that President Trump is… pic.twitter.com/DurxIKaMih
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@zelenskyyua) May 14, 2025
The first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia
The Russian-Ukrainian negotiations are expected to take place in Constantinople on Thursday, May 15th. The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said today that their form ‘It has not yet been finalized. “
It is noted that this is about the first direct conversations between Moscow and Kiev From the spring of 2022, when the two sides tried to agree on a ceasefire in the first weeks of the war.
Since the beginning of 2025, under pressure from the government of the US president Donald TrumpRussia and Ukraine began dialogue – but so far have been indirectwith representatives of the warring countries to meet separately with the Americans.
Meanwhile, US representatives are expected to go to Turkey, but it is not yet clear whether they will attend the meetings between Russians and Ukrainians immediately.
“Without Putin, the negotiations make no sense”
Vladimir Putin’s involvement or not will be decisive for the level, scope and prospects of talks. Volodimir Zelenski has repeatedly stated that Only the physical presence of the Russian leader will be a sign of serious Moscow intentions For a peacekeeping solution.
Characteristic of the Ukrainian side’s attitude in view of the upcoming talks in Istanbul is the statement by the president’s adviser, Mikhailo Pontoliak, who in an interview made it clear that the Presidential Deals They will not take place if the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is not in person.
“If Putin is not there, then there will certainly be no negotiations at the leadership level,” he told RBK-Ukraina.
What will Trump do
It is also uncertain whether US President Donald Trump will attend, who during his flight to Qatar will attend reporters: “I don’t know if he will come [ο Πούτιν] If I’m not there. We will find it, “noting that the Russian leader” would like “to have him present.
Trump has asked Russia and Ukraine to agree on a 30 -day ceasefire, a proposal accepted by Kiev.
Moscow, on the other hand, wishes to precede talks before any truce is discussed.