Empty Russian Chair: Ukraine to Decide on Delegation Composition for Talks in Istanbul.

The Ukrainian delegation may travel to Russia for talks

Ukraine may send its delegation to Russia in Istanbul to participate in high-level negotiations. However, the Ukrainian side wants to ensure that the Russian team has real authority to make decisions.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Ankara for an official visit, where he held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The high-level Ukrainian delegation is accompanied by the Minister of Defense, the head of the Security Service, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and an advisor to the President's Office.

'If the Russian delegation is ready for a serious conversation, we can consider it. Otherwise, we have the right to consider this a charade rather than work for peace,' emphasized the diplomat citing Reuters.

Representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine reported that the Russian delegation arrived in Turkey with an unclear mandate and at a low level. Those leading the Russian team may not have real decision-making powers.

In a published statement, Putin announced that his assistant Vladimir Medinsky would head the Russian delegation for the negotiations. Meetings between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. During his visit to Turkey, Zelensky plans an important conversation with President Erdogan.

The Office of the President of Ukraine noted that the goal of the visit is to achieve peace and stability in the region. Special representatives from the USA will also be present at the negotiations.