Medinsky leads Russian delegation to Istanbul despite sabotage attacks
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Russia confirms participation in a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, despite ongoing Ukrainian attacks on its infrastructure.
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Russian presidential aide, Vladimir Medinsky, gives a statement to journalists at the Russian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 15, 2025. (AP)
Russia confirmed its participation in the second round of direct negotiations with Ukraine, set to take place Monday at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace. The talks are scheduled to begin at 13:00 Moscow time.
The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, arrived in Istanbul on Sunday evening. Speaking to RIA Novosti, Medinsky said he was in good spirits and ready to present Russia’s response to the Ukrainian proposal for a peaceful settlement.
Kiev submits peace proposal, expands delegation
The Ukrainian side, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, has increased its delegation from 12 to 14 members. As reported by Russian officials, Ukraine has submitted a draft memorandum in both Ukrainian and English.
According to RT, Medinsky said the delegation had no trouble reviewing the document, noting, "Our delegation includes people who know a variety of languages. Just in case, two of them speak Japanese fluently."
Ukrainian memorandum calls for monitored ceasefire
Excerpts of Ukraine’s memorandum, published by The New York Times, suggest a proposed ceasefire across land, sea, and air, to be monitored by “international partners.” However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia would not discuss negotiating positions through the media.
Read more: Kiev attacked military airfields in 5 Russian regions, 1st in Siberia
Lavrov-Rubio call emphasizes support for dialogue
Ahead of the talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Rubio conveyed President Donald Trump’s backing for continued dialogue and offered condolences for recent attacks on railway infrastructure in the Bryansk and Kursk regions.
Lavrov briefed Rubio on the situation and confirmed that the results of Russia’s investigation into the bombings would be published soon. "Those responsible... will inevitably receive the punishment they deserve," the ministry stated.
Despite the ongoing Ukrainian attacks, including drone strikes and sabotage operations inside Russian territory, Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing peace through negotiations.
As Lavrov previously stated, the Russian delegation is prepared to work with Ukraine’s proposal, but remains focused on substantive outcomes rather than symbolic moves or media posturing.
Read more: Ankara expects Russia-Ukraine talks to pave way for ceasefire
