U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “dragging his feet” and obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine after Putin declined to attend face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey, the Guardian reported on May 15.

“What’s happened today is further evidence that it’s Putin who is dragging his feet,” Starmer said. “It is Putin who is causing the delay in a ceasefire."

After Moscow proposed to hold peace talks in Turkey this week, Zelensky agreed and invited Putin for a face-to-face meeting. The Russian leader declined to attend and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks.

Ukraine, in turn, decided to send its delegation on May 15, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. It would not include the head of the General Staff, and the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as it was previously suggested.

Starmer said Ukraine had already agreed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and that it was Moscow that continued to block progress.

“Ukraine has long been clear, several months ago now, that they would have a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, and we have long said that it’s Putin who is standing in the way of that peace,” he said.

The talks, which could become the first direct diplomatic encounter between the two leaders since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, stalled after Putin appointed a delegation of lower-level officials to attend instead. Zelensky and Putin met only once during the 2019 Normandy Four meeting in France. Since then, there have been no direct in-person meetings between the two.

Kyiv and its allies have proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning on May 12 as a first step toward peace — a proposal that Russia has so far ignored.

Zelensky decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks in Turkey

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” Zelensky said.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

Norway will complete its planned deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2025, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik told NRK in an interview published on May 15.

Norway confirmed in July 2024 that it would donate several of the U.S.-made aircraft as part of Western efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.

Some jets have already been transferred, Sandvik said, but declined to specify the exact number delivered so far, citing operational security concerns and ongoing consultations with Ukrainian officials.

“The donation of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding according to plan,” Sandvik said.

Last year, Norway also boosted its support to the Ukrainian Air Force with an additional 1.3 billion kroner (around $120 million), aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks.

“With this contribution, Norway is helping to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, in cooperation with other members of the Air Force Coalition,” Sandvik said.

Norway is part of the international F-16 coalition, alongside 10 other countries, that has been training Ukrainian pilots and coordinating the delivery of Western fighter jets to Ukraine.

In April, Norway and the U.K. also agreed to provide a 450 million pound ($585 million) military aid package to Ukraine, which included funding for the repair and maintenance of previously supplied vehicles and equipment, and financing for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones.

Russian fighter jet ‘violated NATO territory’ after Estonia tried to detain ‘shadow fleet’ tanker

“The Russian Federation is ready to protect the ‘shadow fleet’… the situation is really serious,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15.

The Kyiv IndependentYuliia Taradiuk

The United States is proposing to revive the NATO-Russia Council as part of a broader American plan to end the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on May 15, citing unnamed sources.

In April, Axios reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan also included Washington’s de jure recognition of Russia’s control over occupied Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories, offering sanctions relief, and freezing the war along current front lines.

The proposal to revive the NATO-Russia Council, a forum for military and political dialogue frozen since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is a new part added to the American proposal, according to Bloomberg.

The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) was created in 2002 to promote cooperation and dialogue between NATO and Russia. Originally designed as a forum where NATO members and Russia could work as equal partners on shared security issues, the NRC has not convened since January 2022.

While formal cooperation was suspended after Russia’s 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea, the council remained a key channel for communication, primarily on Ukraine, until ties were effectively severed following the 2022 invasion.

Previously, Ukraine and its European allies have ruled out discussing concessions before the halt of hostilities. Their peace plan demands a full and unconditional ceasefire on land, at sea, and in the air before any talks about territorial issues can begin. It also calls for strong U.S.-backed security guarantees.

The proposal rejects any immediate territorial concessions and insists that sanctions on Russia should only be lifted after a lasting peace is achieved.

Russia continues pushing its maximalist demands, insisting that any peace deal must include a permanent ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership, territorial losses, demilitarization of the country, and constitutional changes reinstating the role of the Russian language, culture, and religious organizations.

On May 15, Ukraine and Russia are expected to renew their peace talks. Zelensky agreed to join negotiations in Istanbul and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin for a face-to-face meeting. The Russian leader declined to attend and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks.

During a press conference in Ankara, after meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelensky confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will meet the Russian delegation in Istanbul either on May 15 or 16.

Russia threatens to ‘neutralize’ all NATO efforts against Moscow amid alliance drills in Lithuania

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko’s statement came as Strong Shield 5 exercises involving military personnel from other NATO countries began in Lithuania.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a press conference on May 15 that he will not personally participate in the upcoming negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, instead sending a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Speaking in Ankara, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine’s delegation would not include the head of the General Staff, and the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as it was previously suggested. A ceasefire, according to Zelensky, remains a key priority.

“Out of respect for President Trump, the high level of the Turkish delegation, and President Erdogan, and since we want to try to achieve at least the first steps toward de-escalation, an end to the war – namely a ceasefire – I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul,” Zelensky said.

After Moscow proposed to hold peace talks in Turkey this week, Zelensky agreed and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin for a face-to-face meeting. The Russian leader declined to attend and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks.

Zelensky said that Moscow appeared to have sent a “sham” delegation, adding that “we all know who makes decisions in Russia."

Zelensky said that, under the current circumstances, he sees no reason for his or certain other top officials’ presence in Istanbul, given that Putin declined to attend.

“Russia has once again demonstrated that it is not determined to end the war by sending a delegation of representatives of a rather weak level. Moreover, such a Russian approach is a manifestation of disrespect for the world, for all partners. We are waiting for a clear and strong reaction from the partners,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram following his press conference in Ankara.

Zelensky noted that while he will not join the talks, Ukraine will fully participate in the agreed formats and remains open to dialogue.

“We will definitely hold meetings with the American, Turkish, and Ukrainian groups — that meeting will take place. We also plan to meet with the Russian side, and I hope it happens, that it’s not just for show,” Zelensky said. “We are still waiting for our Turkish and American partners to confirm the time — whether the meeting will happen later today or tomorrow. Our team will be there tomorrow as well."

His remarks followed a nearly three-hour closed-door meeting with Erdogan in the Turkish capital, ahead of the planned peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.

Zelensky previously met Erdogan in Ankara in February, during which the two leaders reportedly discussed Turkey’s potential participation in a peacekeeping force after a ceasefire.

Erdogan has maintained close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow during the full-scale war, positioning Turkey as a mediator in the war.

In 2022, Istanbul hosted the unsuccessful — and so far, the only — direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since the full-scale invasion. Turkey also helped to broker a Black Sea grain deal that allowed safe maritime shipment until Russia pulled out of the agreement in 2023.

Zelensky decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks in Turkey

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” Zelensky said.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

As Ukrainian and Russian delegations are expected to meet in Istanbul for potential ceasefire negotiations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the country’s current defense strategy through 2027, Russian state-controlled media reported on May 15.

The extension of the current defense plan, initially set for 2021–2025, was confirmed by the Kremlin, though specific details remain classified.

The original plan was enacted in January 2021, just over a year before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The document followed the previous defense plan adopted in November 2015, which was valid through 2020.

The timing of the extension comes just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation landed in Turkey on May 15 ahead of the anticipated Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara before deciding whether to participate in direct negotiations with the Russian side.

Russia has ruled out Putin’s personal attendance at the talks. Instead, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation, which includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Military Intelligence Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Neither Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov nor Putin’s senior foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov will take part.

Speaking to journalists upon arrival on May 15, Zelensky said Ukraine’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, senior intelligence chiefs, and military representatives. He said that Moscow appears to have sent a “sham” delegation, adding that “we all know who makes decisions in Russia."

Zelensky has said that any talks must center around an unconditional ceasefire and an all-for-all prisoner exchange. Kyiv and its allies have proposed a 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12, which Russia has not accepted.

‘Slap in the face’ — Estonia blasts Russia’s low-level peace delegation in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send junior aides for peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul is like a “slap in the face,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Editor’s note: This is issue 25 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukraine Reforms Tracker” covering events from May 5–May 11, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.

The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission.

Benchmarks and soft commitments with the IMF

Ukraine misses customs reform deadline, jeopardizing IMF commitments

Ukraine’s government has failed to launch the reboot of the State Customs Service, risking a key International Monetary Fund structural benchmark and putting up to $1.3 billion in international aid at risk.

Despite a legal requirement to form a selection commission for the new head of customs by Jan. 1, the Finance Ministry has not acted. According to MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the delay is being orchestrated by Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko and the Government Committee led by Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, reportedly under direct instructions from the President’s Office to block the reform.

The continued inaction not only violates Ukrainian law but undermines commitments to the IMF, U.S., and World Bank, who have already disbursed funding tied to the reform. The IMF deadline for appointing a new customs chief by end-June 2025 is now considered unrealistic, raising the risk of future funding being withheld.

Obligations to the EU

G7 backs ARMA reform bill, but parliament fails to add it to agenda again

The G7 ambassadors have voiced support for draft law #12374-d, aimed at overhauling Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). The bill was developed under the leadership of MP Anastasiia Radina and is required under the EU’s Ukraine Facility program.

Despite international backing, the bill was not included in this week’s parliamentary agenda. Ukraine already missed the March 31 deadline for passage, putting 300 million euros in EU funding at risk.

Moreover, ARMA publicly questioned the bill, claiming international partners had raised concerns — an assertion at odds with the G7’s public endorsement.

Other key economic issues

Ukraine ratifies U.S. critical minerals agreement, advances supporting legislation

On May 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the ratification of the critical minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, following unanimous support from all parliamentary factions.

Last week, parliament also passed in the first reading draft law #13256, which introduces amendments to the Budget Code to implement the agreement’s provisions.

Ukraine, US sign additional agreements for minerals deal, Economy Ministry says

The move follows Ukraine’s ratification of the minerals agreement, deepening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and signaling expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s long-term recovery.

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Pope Leo XIV has been handed a list of Ukrainian soldiers in Russian captivity during a ceremony at the Vatican, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said on May 15.

A representative of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) families “personally” handed him the document during the Jubilee of Eastern Churches held on May 12–14.

“My heart goes out to the suffering and beloved people of Ukraine. Let us do everything we can to bring about a true peace, a just and lasting peace, as soon as possible,” Pope Leo XIV said, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

“Let all the prisoners be released and let the children return to their families,” he added.

There have been 64 POW swaps since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, and five during 2025.

The Ukrainian delegation present in the Vatican included the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, who congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected as head of the Catholic Church in the conclave on May 8 after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

In his first Sunday address on May 11, Pope Leo XIV called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, adding that he carries in his heart the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine."

Previously, while serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, Leo XIV spoke out against Russia’s continued war against Ukraine.

In a 2022 interview with Peruvian news outlet Semanario Expresion, he condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, characterizing it as “a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power."

Exclusive: Ukraine eyes new sanctions on China, but Kyiv wary of peace talks fallout

Ukraine faces a difficult balancing act — sanction more Chinese firms for aiding Russia’s war machine without alienating Beijing, which could be key to ending Russia’s invasion. Kyiv is currently considering imposing new sanctions against Chinese firms providing raw materials to Russia’s defense sector, a source close to

The Kyiv IndependentDominic Culverwell

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry hit back at Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova after she called President Volodymyr Zelensky a “clown” ahead of expected peace talks in Turkey on May 15.

“Not the first time the Russian Foreign Ministry becomes a laughing stock,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on X in response to Zakharova’s comments.

“It is also worth noting that the delegation in Turkey is not led by the Russian Foreign Ministry — their role is to bark from Moscow.”

Upon arriving in Ankara earlier in the day, Zelensky said he would decide on his next steps regarding peace talks with Russia after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ukraine’s president said that Kyiv is represented at the highest level, while describing the Russian delegation as “a sham.”

Zakharova responded with insults aimed at Zelensky: “Who uses the word ‘sham’? A clown, a loser, a person with no education at all."

As Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Kyiv’s appeal to attend, Moscow’s delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Military Intelligence Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

In contrast, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Chief Vasyl Malyuk, and General Staff Chief Andrii Hnatov are among those accompanying Zelensky in Turkey. In addition, Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined Zelensky for talks with Erdogan.

Trump expects no progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks until he meets Putin

“Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” U.S. President Donald Trump told journalists aboard Air Force One before landing in Dubai as part of his Middle Eastern tour.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 15 that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will not move forward until he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported.

“Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” the U.S. president told journalists aboard Air Force One before landing in Dubai as part of his Middle Eastern tour.

Putin has rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal to meet in person in Istanbul on May 15 to discuss a ceasefire, even though Moscow itself suggested resuming negotiations. Instead, Russia dispatched a delegation of junior aides and deputy ministers dismissed by Ukraine as “sham."

Trump has previously suggested he might join the talks on May 16 if progress is made, but downplayed Putin’s absence on the first day of the negotiations, saying, “Why would he go if I’m not going?"

Despite his latest comments, Trump previously voiced optimism about the expected talks in Turkey. Top U.S. administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are expected to join the discussions in Istanbul on May 16.

The U.S. president has often boasted about his supposedly warm ties with the Russian leader, though the two have not met since Trump returned to office this January.

Trump has adopted a more critical rhetoric toward the Kremlin recently amid stalled peace efforts. The new White House has also often used a scathing tone toward Ukraine, most notably during an explosive meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the White House in February.

The two leaders held a second meeting on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral in April, which was described by both parties in more positive terms.

Zelensky decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks in Turkey

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” Zelensky said.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Chief Vasyl Malyuk, and General Staff Chief Andrii Hnatov are among those accompanying President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey ahead of potential peace talks with Russia on May 15, videos released by the Ukrainian media revealed.

In addition, Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined Zelensky for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

A Russian delegation has also arrived to meet with Ukrainian representatives for peace talks in Istanbul — without Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has rejected Ukraine’s invitation for an in-person meeting of the two leaders, appointing presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead the Russian delegation.

Zelensky is expected to decide on his next steps regarding peace talks with Russia after meeting with Erdogan.

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” he said after arriving in Ankara.

“Because we all know who makes decisions in Russia,” he added, saying Moscow appears to have sent a “sham” delegation.

The ceasefire is reportedly the only topic that the Ukrainian side was open to discussing with Russia in Turkey.

Trump says he might join Russia-Ukraine peace talks on May 16 if progress is made

U.S. President Donald Trump said he might still go to the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal, the BBC reported.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Moscow’s goal in the expected peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul is achieving “sustainable peace” by addressing the “root causes of the conflict” rather than a ceasefire, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on May 15.

The comments come as Russian and Ukrainian delegates are expected to meet in Istanbul for what would be the first direct negotiations between the two parties since 2022.

Ukraine has called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire as the first step toward peace talks – a position backed by the U.S. and European countries but rejected by Russia.

Moscow has instead called to resume negotiations but rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for an in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian officials are reportedly planning to only discuss ways for implementing and monitoring a ceasefire, making the prospects of a deal unlikely in light of Lavrov’s comments.

Lavrov nevertheless said that the negotiations should be “given a chance,” adding that “no one can guarantee that everything will go smoothly, without problems."

Russia’s top diplomat said that Kyiv’s Western partners should press Ukraine to repeal its national minority laws, saying it would “cost nothing to the Americans and the Europeans.” Moscow has repeatedly portrayed Ukraine’s legislation aimed against Russification and in support of the Ukrainian national identity as one of the key causes of its full-scale invasion.

Speaking to journalists upon his arrival at Ankara airport, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian delegation is of the “highest level,” including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, representatives of the military and the Presidential Office, and heads of “all intelligence agencies."

The Russian delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and further consists of Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Military Intelligence Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Medinsky led the first unsuccessful talks with Ukraine in 2022.

It remains unclear whether the talks will take place despite Putin’s absence.

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” Zelensky said after arriving in Ankara.

“Because we all know who makes decisions in Russia,” he added, saying Moscow appears to have sent a “sham” delegation.

Zelensky arrives in Turkey, decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

A Russian military jet “violated NATO territory” after the Estonian Navy made an attempt to intercept a tanker thought to belong to Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15 in comments reported by Reuters.

Speaking in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of a NATO informal meeting, Tsahkna said the Russian aircraft was deployed to “check the situation” after the ship refused to cooperate with Estonian authorities and was being escorted back to Russian waters.

“And this fighter jet violated NATO territory for close to one minute,” Tsahkna said, adding: “(The) Russian Federation is ready to protect the ‘shadow fleet’… the situation is really serious."

Russia’s “shadow fleet” consists of aging tankers used to circumvent sanctions, including those imposed by the EU, U.K., and U.S. Ukraine recently sanctioned captains of these vessels, targeting Russian and Iranian nationals involved in illicit oil exports.

A growing portion of Russia’s oil tanker fleet is being forced to reflag as sanctions intensify, disrupting Moscow’s oil export logistics and forcing tankers to re-register in less reputable jurisdictions, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 23.

According to the Estonian media outlet ERR, Russia sent a Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet to check on the status of the tanker Jaguar, which was sailing through international waters in the Gulf of Finland.

Estonian authorities said the tanker lacked a flag, meaning it was not authorized to sail in international waters.

To carry out the interception, Estonia deployed an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, an M28 Skytruck reconnaissance aircraft, and the EML Raju patrol vessel, according to Militarny.

After the incident on May 13 it returned to the Russian port of Primorsk.

Previously, on April 11, the Estonian Navy for the first time detained an oil tanker Kiwala, belonging to the shadow fleet.

Zelensky arrives in Turkey, decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, began in Ankara on May 15, Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu reported.

The meeting is taking place ahead of potential peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.

“First of all, I would like to thank President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for organizing the possibility of direct negotiations,” Zelensky said upon his arrival, according to his Telegram channel.

After Moscow proposed to hold peace talks in Turkey this week, Zelensky agreed and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin for a face-to-face meeting. The Russian leader declined to attend and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks.

“We need to understand what the level of the Russian delegation is, what their mandate is, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own,” said Zelensky.

“Because we all know who makes decisions in Russia,” he added, saying Moscow appears to have sent a “sham” delegation.

Zelensky previously met Erdogan in Ankara in February, during which the two leaders reportedly discussed Turkey’s potential participation in a peacekeeping force after a ceasefire.

Erdogan has maintained close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow during the full-scale war, positioning Turkey as a mediator in the war.

In 2022, Istanbul hosted the unsuccessful — and so far, the only — direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Turkey also helped to broker a Black Sea grain deal that allowed safe maritime shipment until Russia pulled out of the agreement in 2023.

Zelensky arrives in Turkey, decries Russia’s ‘sham’ delegation ahead of potential peace talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) on May 14 for the first time presented its latest versatile Magura naval drones to the public.

The Magura drones, as well as the Sea Baby drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have been pivotal in turning the tide of the war in the Black Sea, destroying or damaging multiple Russian ships and other assets.

HUR’s Group 13 has deployed Magura drones to successfully hit 17 naval and aerial Russian targets. Fifteen of them, including two Mi-8 helicopters, two Su-30 fighter jets, and the Sergey Kotov, Ivanovets, and Ceasar Kunikov warships of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, have been destroyed, the agency said.

Several variants of the Magura drones exist, including the “ship-killer” V5, the V7 capable of carrying machine guns or anti-air missiles, and the multi-platform V6P.

As of 2024, Ukraine was reportedly able to destroy or disable one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in a drone and missile campaign, despite Moscow’s significant advantage in sheer naval power.

Black Sea hostilities have since then quieted down as Russia moved most of its naval assets from occupied Crimea further east and Ukraine managed to resume its maritime shipping.

As Ukraine, Russia agree to ceasefire at sea, Moscow’s battered Black Sea Fleet is set to get a reprieve

The White House on March 25 announced that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea, returning the spotlight to a theater of battle that has been relatively quiet for more than a year. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Ukrainian strikes against Russian ships,

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey on May 15 ahead of potential ceasefire negotiations with Russia, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin is skipping the talks.

Zelensky’s plane has landed at Ankara airport as the president first plans to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey’s capital.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, Zelensky said that the Ukrainian delegation is of the “highest level,” including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, representatives of the military and the Presidential Office, and heads of “all intelligence agencies."

A Russian delegation has also arrived to meet with Ukrainian representatives for peace talks in Istanbul — without Putin. The Kremlin has ruled out Putin’s trip to Turkey, revealing that the negotiations will instead be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

Ukraine’s president will decide on his next steps regarding peace talks with Russia after meeting with Erdogan, a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially voiced optimism about the prospects of a Zelensky-Putin meeting and suggested he might attend as well on May 16 if progress is made.

“I don’t really believe that Putin himself is capable of meeting. It seems to me that he is afraid,”  Zelensky said in an interview with Spiegel published earlier this week.

Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said on May 13 that Zelensky would not meet with lower-level Russian officials in Istanbul if Putin failed to appear, saying there would be no point in such negotiations.

Zelensky said on May 14 that he was waiting for information on Russia’s decision before determining Ukraine’s next steps. According to the Washington Post, U.S. and European officials reportedly urged Zelensky not to abandon the Istanbul talks regardless of Putin’s participation.

While not in the cards for the May 15 talks, a presidential-level meeting could signal a breakthrough in stalled diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion. Zelensky and Putin met only once during the 2019 Normandy Four meeting in France. Since then, there have been no direct in-person meetings between the two presidents.

Zelensky said that a potential talk with Putin would center around an unconditional ceasefire and an all-for-all prisoner exchange.

It is unclear whether Zelensky will still join the Istanbul talks without Putin’s participation.

Kyiv and its allies have proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning on May 12 as a first step toward peace — a proposal that Russia has so far ignored.

Who else is visiting Turkey?

While no additional meetings have been officially announced, representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are also arriving in Turkey.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Turkey on May 14 and met with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Antalya. Sybiha also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Istanbul with Rubio on May 16 to participate in discussions on Ukraine.

The Kremlin revealed its list of delegates late on May 14. In addition to Medinsky, Russia is sending Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Military Intelligence Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will not attend, nor will Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov.

There were no reports of any other scheduled meetings between Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian officials.

Despite the hype, EU’s latest Russia sanctions ‘not as strong as they should be’

The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would “keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.” But outside the EU bubble, critics see it as another incremental move that fails to match the urgency of the moment, and behind closed doors, even EU officials acknowledge the package was watered down during negotiations. The s

The Kyiv IndependentAlex Cadier

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not visit Istanbul for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 15, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed.

The Kremlin withheld confirmation of whether President Putin would travel to Turkey until the last moment. It released the delegation list late on May 14, but the Russian leader was not included.

The Russian delegation is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. It also consist of Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Military Intelligence Director Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send junior aides for peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul is like a “slap in the face,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15.

The comments come as Russian and Ukrainian officials are expected to hold talks in Istanbul on May 15. This would be the first direct negotiations between the two parties since unsuccessful peace talks in 2022.

After rejecting a ceasefire proposal backed by Kyiv and its partners, Moscow instead proposed holding negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey this week. However, Russia has seemingly declined an offer by President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face.

The Russian delegation is also void of other senior officials, like Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and will be led by Putin’s aide, Vladimir Medinsky, who headed the failed talks with Ukraine in 2022.

The step has drawn criticism from Ukraine’s allies as NATO foreign ministers are gathered for a summit in Antalya in Turkey.

Latvia’s chief diplomat, Baiba Braze, commented that there are no indications that Russia seeks peace in Ukraine.

A source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent that Zelensky has yet to decide whether to meet Russian representatives despite Putin’s absence. Some media reported that Ukraine intends to hold the meeting anyway in order to discuss the 30-day ceasefire.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, spoke more optimistically about the meeting and suggested he might join on May 16 if progress is made.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, were said to join the discussions on May 16.

Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul ahead of potential Ukraine peace talks but Putin not expected to join

A plane with the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul for planned peace talks with Ukraine, pro-state news agency Interfax reported on May 15, citing sources in aviation services.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

A Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian side in Turkey on May 15 specifically to discuss how to implement and monitor a U.S.-backed unconditional 30-day ceasefire, the Wall Street Journal and Suspilne reported, citing undisclosed sources.

The direct talks between Russia and Ukraine are expected to take place in Istanbul on May 15, following an invitation by Russia issued in lieu of agreeing to the 30-day ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately agreed to attend and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to an in-person meeting.

The Russian leader seemingly declined to join himself and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks. Russian representatives have reportedly already arrived in Istanbul this morning. Kyiv has not yet named members of its delegation.

When asked by the Kyiv Independent, a source close to the Presidential Office did not confirm whether Ukraine would still hold the talks if Putin does not join. Zelensky insisted on a meeting only with Putin to discuss an unconditional ceasefire and an all-for-all prisoner exchange.

According to the source, Zelensky will decide whether to meet with Russian representatives and who will represent Ukraine after his meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara.

In early March, Kyiv agreed to a U.S.-backed strategy calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Russia has so far ignored all ceasefire proposals and violated its own, continuing its attacks against Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced optimism about the talks and suggested he might join on May 16 if progress is made on May 15. Trump dismissed Putin’s supposed absence, saying, “Why would he go if I’m not going?"

The U.S. president has pledged to broker a swift peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, but has grown frustrated with the stalled progress. The U.S. president has been critical of both Ukraine and Russia, blaming them for the deadlock in the negotiations.

Trump says he might join Russia-Ukraine peace talks on May 16 if progress is made

U.S. President Donald Trump said he might still go to the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal, the BBC reported.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

U.S. President Donald Trump said he might still go to the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal, the BBC reported.

“We’d like to see (the war) end and I think we have a chance of doing it,” Trump told journalists during his official visit to Qatar on May 15.

Reuters previously reported that Trump, currently on his tour in the Middle East, would not attend the expected talks on May 15. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, were confirmed to join the discussions on May 16.

Russia proposed to launch direct negotiations with Ukraine this week in lieu of an unconditional ceasefire proposed by Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately agreed to attend and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to an in-person meeting in Istanbul on May 15.

The Russian leader seemingly declined to join himself and appointed his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the talks. The Russian delegation has already arrived in Istanbul.

When asked by the Kyiv Independent, a source close to the Presidential Office did not confirm whether Ukraine would still hold the talks if Putin does not join.

When asked about Putin’s absence by a journalist, Trump responded, “Why would he go if I’m not going?"

The White House has grown increasingly frustrated with the stalled peace efforts as its self-imposed 100-day deadline to broker a deal has passed. The U.S. president has been critical of both Ukraine and Russia, blaming them for the deadlock in the negotiations.

After meeting Zelensky in the Vatican on April 26, Trump admitted that Putin may not be interested in peace and floated the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia.

Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul ahead of potential Ukraine peace talks but Putin not expected to join

A plane with the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul for planned peace talks with Ukraine, pro-state news agency Interfax reported on May 15, citing sources in aviation services.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek