Russia-Ukraine Talks Approaching in Istanbul, Kremlin May Send Medvedev to Meet Zelensky

According to reports on May 14, Kremlin sources indicated that Russia may consider sending former President and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev to Istanbul on May 15 to hold direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The information has yet to be officially confirmed.

Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, said that the Russian delegation heading to Istanbul is prepared for “the most difficult negotiation terms.” He did not confirm whether he is part of the delegation, citing 2022 precedent, and said the list will be revealed on May 15.

Slutsky reiterated Russia’s firm positions: the "denazification" and "demilitarization" of Ukraine, maintaining its neutral status, and rejecting any military alliances. He ruled out any need for peacekeepers or third-party guarantees.

He emphasized that negotiations must be strictly bilateral, and urged third countries that genuinely wish to help to pressure Kyiv into sincere talks, not political showmanship. Only after achieving “tangible and stable preliminary outcomes” on May 15 would a broader ceasefire be feasible. Slutsky personally believes a head-of-state meeting is premature.

When asked if President Putin would attend, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow only responds to statements made by Putin himself and will not comment on Kyiv’s proposals.

Previously, Ukraine insisted on a preliminary ceasefire before any summit. Zelensky, however, has publicly expressed readiness to meet Putin in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, the United States has expressed interest in the talks. U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said if Putin attends, it would support President Trump’s upcoming visit to Istanbul. Media reports suggest both Kellogg and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff plan to attend the talks.

On May 12, Zelensky and Turkish President Erdoğan discussed the negotiations via phone. Erdoğan emphasized activating all available mechanisms to relaunch the dialogue.

Key Viewpoints:

• Medvedev’s Reappearance Signals Strategic Caution by Kremlin:
  Sending Medvedev rather than Putin suggests a mid-level diplomatic trial to assess the ground before committing to a high-stakes summit.
• Russia Holds Firm on Its Core Demands:
  Moscow’s unchanged demands signal no immediate willingness to compromise, dampening short-term hopes for a breakthrough.
• Ukraine Shows Conditional Flexibility:
  Zelensky’s openness to a meeting hinges on a prior ceasefire, aligning with both domestic political realities and international expectations.
• Turkey Reinforces Its Role as a Neutral Mediator:
  Erdoğan continues to leverage Turkey’s geopolitical position to assert its relevance as a diplomatic hub.
• U.S. Involvement Highlights Geopolitical Layers:
  With American envoys attending, the talks could become a proxy front in broader U.S.-Russia strategic messaging.