ANKARA, Turkey - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has expressed doubts about the authority of the Russian delegation sent to peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled for May 15, 2025. The negotiations aim to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Upon arriving in Ankara, Selenskyj criticized the Russian representatives, describing them as a "mock delegation" with unclear mandate [1]. "It is unclear at what level the Russian delegation is positioned and whether it is even capable of making decisions on its own," Selenskyj stated [1].

In contrast, Selenskyj emphasized that Ukraine has sent high-level representatives to Turkey. "The Foreign Ministry, the Presidential Office, the Army, our intelligence services" are represented to make any necessary decisions, he explained [1].

The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped about Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential participation in the talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow stated on Tuesday, "The Russian side continues to prepare for the talks planned for Thursday. That's all we can say at this point" [2][3].

Ukraine views Putin's potential absence as a concerning sign. Andrij Jermak, Chief of Staff to President Selenskyj, suggested that Putin's non-attendance would be the "final sign" that Russia has no interest in ending the Ukraine war [2][3].

The talks in Istanbul are seen as a crucial opportunity to negotiate a ceasefire and potentially end the long-standing conflict. However, the composition and authority of the delegations have become a point of contention even before the negotiations begin.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Ukrainian side reported no response from Putin regarding his attendance at the Thursday meeting [4]. The international community watches closely as the possibility of high-level talks hangs in the balance, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.