“Moscow views the meeting in Istanbul as a continuation of the 2022 negotiations,” – says Medinsky

In Istanbul, head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky held a briefing with journalists regarding the negotiations with Ukrainian representatives.

He stated that Russia views the current talks as a continuation of the peace process that collapsed in Istanbul in the spring of 2022.

“Our delegation has been approved by the president and is fully authorized to conduct negotiations,” Medinsky said.

He assured that the Russian team in Istanbul is focused on finding possible solutions and points of convergence.

Medinsky also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the goals and defined the negotiation position for the talks in Istanbul following consultations with all military commanders involved in ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, Russian media report that the start time for the Ukraine–Russia negotiations in Istanbul has not been set, and the meeting may be postponed to May 16. According to their sources, the Russian delegation, following Medinsky’s briefing, headed to the Dolmabahçe Presidential Office, where the talks are expected to take place. The team is awaiting confirmation of Ukraine’s participation at the agreed venue.

Media outlets also reminded that Medinsky headed the Russian delegation during peace negotiations with Ukraine in the spring of 2022.

Shortly before Medinsky’s briefing in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with journalists in Ankara. He confirmed that Ukrainian negotiators will meet with the Russian side, with their delegation led by Rustem Umerov.