Ukraine and Russia are nearing direct peace talks for the first time in three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in Istanbul on 15 May 2025. The move follows Moscow’s proposal for direct negotiations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia’s delegation will be in Istanbul, but did not reveal whether Putin will attend, saying the delegation’s names will be announced later.
US President Donald Trump plans to send senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg to observe the talks. Putin proposed the meeting after calls from Ukraine and European nations for a 30-day ceasefire.
