The talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for May 16, 2025 in Istanbul are likely to fail. Commenting on the situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the absence of the Russian and US presidents at the meeting, as well as the low level of authority of the Russian delegation, reduce the chances of a breakthrough.

"The only way to achieve real progress is through personal intervention by Trump and Putin," "Rubio stressed, adding that the United States will monitor the progress of the negotiations before planning a possible meeting between the presidents.

The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, arrived in Istanbul on the morning of May 15, but the talks were postponed until May 16 due to the Ukrainian delegation's delay. The Russian team includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. Ukraine sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The talks, initiated by Putin on May 11, are meant to continue the dialogue that was interrupted in 2022. Medinsky has said the goal is to address the causes of the conflict and achieve long-term peace. However, Zelensky is demanding a 30-day ceasefire as a condition for serious dialogue, which Moscow rejects. Turkish analyst Aydin Sezer noted that negotiations at the delegation level are unlikely to lead to a breakthrough, since Zelensky has not repealed the law banning talks with Russia, and Russia insists on recognizing the current realities on the ground.