For the first time since April 2022, Russia and Ukraine have had a direct meeting in Istanbul to resume the peace negotiations process. This is a remarkable development in the context of the tensions of the war that have lasted for more than 3 years and the increasingly clear response moves from the US side.
RT quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as confirming that the Russian negotiating delegation had arrived in Istanbul on the morning of May 15. The delegation included assistant to President Vladimir Medinsky, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin and Director General of the General Department of Military Intelligence Igor Kostyukov.
During a preparation meeting in Moscow on the evening of May 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin directly chaired and attended the participation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and senior security leaders.
"We have prepared for the work seriously. The ball is currently in Kiev's feet," Zakharova emphasized.
On the Ukrainian side, RT reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Turkey, and is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Putin. Immediately after getting off the plane, the Ukrainian leader said that the delegation sent by Moscow to negotiate with Kiev in Istanbul had an incomparable level. Mr Zelensky said he would make further decisions on negotiations with Russia after discussions with Mr Putin, while affirming that Kiev will maintain regular contact with Washington on the peace process.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that President Putin will not visit Istanbul.
For his part, US President Donald Trump is still open to the possibility of flying to Istanbul if negotiations reach a breakthrough. If something happens, I will be there on May 16, Trump told reporters in Qatar.
Currently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two special delegates have been in Turkey to monitor and support the process. Washington expressed hope for progress in the next few days.
Although both sides have shown goodwill, observers are still skeptical. Political analyst Vitaly Ryumshin commented: There are no practical conditions for a sustained ceasefire. The failure of previous negotiations is still a big black spot.
Back in 2022, when the two sides seemed to have reached an agreement in Istanbul, Ukraine suddenly withdrew. Russia later accused the West, especially former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, of obstructing the peace process.
Since early morning on May 15, international reporters have been on duty outside Dolmabahce Palace, which saw peace hopes extinguished more than three years ago.
With the current situation, the appearance of the US as an intermediary and influence of President Donald Trump could make a difference. However, deep conflicts over territory, ceasefire conditions and lack of mutual trust are still major barriers.
However, the sides' return to the negotiations - even in an uncertain form as The Guardian described - is still a positive sign that the smoke of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is endless.
