Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov listed topics for talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

The negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 will cover the topics of sustainable settlement and the prevailing realities, including the territorial issue. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters on May 13.

"The topics are the same that we have talked about repeatedly, which has been on the agenda lately.: how can we ensure a reliable, sustainable settlement of the situation, first of all addressing the primary sources of this conflict," Ryabkov said.

He also said that the negotiations would address issues related to the denazification of the Kiev regime, ensuring recognition of the realities that have recently developed in the world, including the entry of new territories into Russia.

When asked about the forecast for the negotiations, Ryabkov said it was premature to make forecasts.

"The question should be addressed to the sponsors of the Kiev regime and Kiev itself, whether they are ready to negotiate. We have a firm impression that with the current approach, the word that can characterize the line of these figures is incompetence," Ryabkov added.

Istanbul 2.0: what is known about possible negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on May 15

Information about the meeting level was not disclosed.

The Reuters news agency reported on the afternoon of May 13 that Stephen Witkoff, the special envoy of the American president, and Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, would travel to Istanbul to attend the talks between Moscow and Kiev.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated direct talks on May 11, suggesting that the Ukrainian side resume dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul three years later. US President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to immediately accept Russia's proposal.