On May 15th, Vladimir Medinsky, who heads the Russian delegation, spoke candidly with reporters at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul.
His message was clear: Russia is ready to look for solutions and keep the door open for talks aimed at long-term peace.
A High-Level Meeting Preceded the Negotiations
Medinsky shared that the night before the Istanbul talks, Russia’s President held a crucial meeting to set the stage.
This gathering included top officials like the heads of the Security Council, government ministers, military leaders, and intelligence chiefs.
Everyone involved in the special military operation was represented, including members of the Russian delegation present in Istanbul.
At the meeting, they reviewed key issues like foreign policy, security challenges, and economic conditions.
Military leaders provided detailed updates on the front lines, and these reports shaped the direction for the upcoming negotiations.
The President’s instructions helped define Russia’s official stance as the delegation prepared to sit down with their Ukrainian counterparts.
Aiming to Restart the Peace Process
Medinsky emphasized that these talks are seen as a continuation of efforts that were paused three years ago when Ukraine pulled back from negotiations.
The Russian delegation, fully empowered by a presidential decree, is focused on a constructive approach.
Their goal is to find common ground and solutions that can lead to lasting peace.
He stressed that the objective is to directly address the root causes of the conflict, hoping that eventually these discussions will bring about a sustainable resolution.
Who Is Vladimir Medinsky
For those unfamiliar, Vladimir Rostislavovich Medinsky is a prominent Russian political figure and academic.
Born in 1970 in Smila, a city in what was then the Ukrainian SSR, Medinsky served as Russia’s Minister of Culture from 2012 until 2020.
He holds a high federal rank and is actively involved in the ruling United Russia party.
His role now places him at the forefront of one of the most critical diplomatic efforts Russia faces today.