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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Tuesday that Russia is continuing preparations for peace talks with Ukraine, scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul.
"The Russian side continues its preparations for the talks, which are set to take place in Istanbul on Thursday. That's all for now, no further comments," Peskov stated during a press briefing in Moscow.
When asked about who would represent Russia at the negotiations in Istanbul, Peskov declined to provide details about the delegation members, saying, "No, as soon as the president considers it necessary, we will announce it."
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov are reportedly among the potential leaders of the delegation, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The proposal for unconditional talks in Istanbul was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Moscow on Sunday. Putin did not rule out that during these negotiations, the parties might reach a ceasefire agreement.
Later that day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Türkiye's readiness to host the meeting during a phone conversation with Putin, further cementing Türkiye's position as a key diplomatic mediator in the conflict.
Peskov has previously stated that Russia is committed to seriously searching for ways to achieve a long-term peaceful settlement. According to him, the goals of the proposed talks with Ukraine are to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure Russia's interests.
When asked if there was a place for European leaders at the negotiating table in Türkiye, Peskov expressed skepticism about Europe's ability to maintain a balanced approach.
"I would again suggest you refer to the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. If we talk about Europe's participation in such a negotiation process, since Europe completely and fully takes Ukraine's side, it cannot claim an unbiased approach, a balanced approach," Peskov said.
He added that Europe's approach to the Ukraine issue aims to continue the war and contrasts sharply with the approach demonstrated by Moscow and Washington.
"Europe's approach is not balanced. It is rather pro-war, aimed at continuing the war. And it sharply contrasts with the approach demonstrated, for example, in Moscow or in Washington," the Kremlin spokesman stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to participate in peace talks in Istanbul this week, but only if they involve a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a senior advisor said Monday.
"The president cannot meet with anyone else,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, according to news agency RBC-Ukraine. Podolyak said Russia’s power structure is well known and that no other official has the authority to decide on war or peace.
"Even (Foreign Minister Sergey) Lavrov or (Prime Minister Mikhail) Mishustin are unlikely to be authorized to make such decisions,” he said. "Only Putin can make the decision to continue or end the war." He added that a lower-level meeting would only delay meaningful progress.
"This is again stalling for time. What’s the point of holding a meeting at a lower level?" he said. Negotiations to settle the Russia-Ukraine war have reached their most advanced stage in over three years, as leaders of both countries are expected to hold direct talks in Istanbul on Thursday.
The proposal to meet without preconditions in Istanbul on May 15 was first made by Putin during a press conference in Moscow on Sunday. President Erdogan later confirmed Türkiye’s readiness to host the talks during a phone call with Putin.
In response, Zelenskyy said he would "personally" be "waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday," but reaffirmed Ukraine’s call for a cease-fire starting Monday to "provide the necessary basis for diplomacy."
As both sides prepare for the Thursday meeting in Istanbul, the international community watches closely to see if these talks might lead to a breakthrough in the conflict that has continued for over three years.
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