Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the composition of a high-level delegation for fresh talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, reviving a dialogue suspended since 2022.

The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian delegation will be led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky and include key officials such as Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin. Four additional experts have been appointed to assist in the negotiations.

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the Istanbul meeting marks the resumption of talks that had been halted on the advice of then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

President Putin had proposed the May 15 meeting, with the Russian delegation expected to discuss both technical and political matters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he would be in Turkey and is awaiting details on the Russian delegation before finalizing Ukraine’s next steps.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday in Antalya. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for facilitating peace, while Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a durable ceasefire and direct high-level dialogue.