Wed May 14 22:23:23 UTC 2025: ## The Hindu: Putin Appoints Delegation for Ukraine Talks, Zelenskyy’s Attendance Uncertain
**New Delhi, May 15, 2025:** Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially announced the composition of a delegation tasked with engaging in direct negotiations with Ukraine aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The announcement, made late Wednesday, clarified that President Putin himself will not be part of the delegation, a point that has fueled speculation and uncertainty surrounding the potential for productive dialogue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously stated his willingness to participate in direct talks, contingent on President Putin’s presence. With Putin’s absence confirmed, the Ukrainian response remains to be seen.
According to an order published on the Kremlin website, the delegation will include several figures with prior experience in negotiations between the two nations. Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential advisor, and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, both participated in the initial rounds of talks held in Belarus and Turkiye in the weeks following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Notably, Igor Kostyukov, Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the GRU, Russia’s Foreign Military Intelligence Agency, has also been appointed to the delegation. The Kremlin announcement identified Kostyukov as Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Rounding out the team is Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.
The previous round of negotiations in 2022, held initially in Belarus and later in Turkiye, ultimately collapsed, raising concerns about the prospects for success in this renewed attempt at direct talks. The international community awaits further statements from both Moscow and Kyiv to gauge the potential for a breakthrough in the conflict.
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