By Hazel Camba
Russia is prepared to engage in direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul this week, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday, but did not comment on whether a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected.
“Our position has been clearly stated publicly. Our representatives are getting ready for this meeting,” Ryabkov told state news agency TASS.
“We hope it will be held and will not be used as a PR stunt, a move typical of many capitals,” he added.
The talks, set for May 15, came after Putin invited Ukraine to resume negotiations that were cut off in 2022, when Russia launched what it calls a “special military operation.”
The Kremlin has pushed for discussions “without preliminary conditions”, emphasising that any agreement must reflect “realities on the ground”, including territories now under Russian control.
Zelensky, in response, announced plans to travel to Istanbul on Thursday, after United States President Donald Trump reportedly encouraged Ukraine to take up the offer.
EU ramps up pressure on Russia for Ukraine ceasefire
As preparations for the talks continue, the European Union has approved a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, warning of more severe measures if Moscow refuses to consider the 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by the US.
The package, agreed upon by diplomats from all 27 EU member states, includes blacklisting about 200 oil tankers accused of helping Russia bypass oil export restrictions.
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Sanctions will also target companies in Vietnam, Serbia, and Türkiye believed to be supplying goods to the Russian military, as well as dozens of Russian officials linked to cyberattacks, human rights violations, and sabotage activities in Europe, Agence France-Presse reported.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday also urged Putin to make “real progress” towards peace this week and encouraged direct talks with Zelensky.
World leaders back Ukraine ceasefire talks
Global leaders are voicing their support for a ceasefire in Ukraine, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to prioritise peace as Istanbul prepares to host the discussions.
During a meeting in Ankara with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to a “just and lasting peace,” pledging to intensify Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts.
He stressed that Istanbul remains neutral in the conflict and warned that the opportunity for peace should not be missed, according to Xinhua.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, China and Brazil also voiced support for Ukraine and Russia to begin direct dialogue.
Both countries said they’re committed to strengthening coordination to help facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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