**US and Europe Urge Zelensky to Commit to Istanbul Peace Talks**
The United States and European officials have convinced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to participate in upcoming peace talks with Russia, despite Moscow’s initial reluctance. The talks are set to take place in Istanbul on May 15, following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the Washington Post, unnamed officials revealed that Zelensky was initially prepared to cancel Ukraine’s participation due to Russia’s evasiveness about who would attend the talks. However, European and US officials convinced him that attending the peace talks would reflect positively on Kyiv and show Moscow’s seriousness in reaching a deal.
The Kremlin only revealed its delegation late at night on May 14, with presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky leading the team. Putin will not be attending the talks himself, sparking uncertainty about Russia’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution.
**Russia’s Delegation: Who’s Who?**
Moscow announced that its delegation would include:
* Vladimir Medinsky, presidential advisor and chief negotiator
* Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Foreign Minister
* Igor Kostyukov, Military Intelligence Director
* Alexander Fomin, Deputy Defense Minister
These individuals will represent Russia at the Istanbul talks.
**Ukraine’s Next Steps**
Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will determine its next steps based on who Russia sends to the peace talks. He expressed skepticism about Moscow’s intentions, saying, “I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should take. So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already arrived in Turkey ahead of the talks, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution.
**US Officials to Join Talks**
US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkof and Senator Lindsey Graham, will join the peace talks. However, US President Donald Trump will not attend the negotiations.
**Sanctions Uncertainty**
The uncertainty surrounding the Istanbul talks has also undermined efforts to coordinate sanctions against Russia, according to unnamed officials. The initial threat of harsh sanctions from Ukraine, the UK, France, Germany, and Poland remains in place if Moscow refuses to accept an unconditional ceasefire.
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