Zelensky signs decree on forming Ukrainian delegation for talks with Russia

MOSCOW. May 16 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has signed a decree on forming a delegation for talks with Russia scheduled to take place in Turkey on May 15-16, Ukrainian media said, citing the presidential website, where the decree has been published.

"I hereby order that a Ukrainian delegation be formed for participation in negotiations with international partners of Ukraine, delegations of the Republic of Turkey and the United States, as well as with representatives of the Russian Federation scheduled for May 15-16, 2025 (in the city of Istanbul, Turkey) to achieve a just and durable peace," the document said.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has been appointed to lead the delegation, which includes First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislitsa, National Security and Defense Council Deputy Chairman Alexander Poklad, Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff Alexei Shevchenko, deputy head of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate Vadim Skibitsky, first deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Oleg Lugovsky, representatives of the General Staff, the Air Force, the Navy and the Defense Ministry, as well as Office of the President advisor Alexandra Alexandrova.

The delegation head may change the delegation's composition with approval from the president and invite staff of government agencies, enterprises, institutions and organizations with the consent of the heads of these entities, as well as academic counselors and experts to contribute to the Ukrainian delegation's work, according to the document.

Zelensky also approved the directives for the Ukrainian delegation during negotiations with Kiev's international partners, delegations of Turkey and the U.S., as for negotiations with Russian representatives on May 15-16.

These directives are classified, it said.