Russia’s likely negotiators named, Ukraine sign additional agreements with US: May 13 highlights

President’s Office: Zelenskyy will meet only with Putin

Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet only Russian President Vladimir Putin in direct Türkiye talks, not lower-level officials.

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that Putin’s refusal to attend the Istanbul talks would be the “final signal” that Russia is unwilling and unprepared for negotiations.

WP found out who will represent Russia in Türkiye

The Washington Post, citing a source, reported that Russia will likely be represented at the Türkiye talks by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm the names, saying the Kremlin would announce Russia’s representatives when Putin deems it necessary.

Bloomberg: Europe postponed sanctions against Russia until Zelenskyy and Putin meet

Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that European leaders are waiting for a potential Zelenskyy-Putin meeting in Istanbul on May 15 before pressing the United States to announce new sanctions against Moscow.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed doubt that Putin would attend, suggesting his absence would confirm Russia’s disinterest in peace, triggering harsher energy sector sanctions.

Ukraine signed two additional agreements with the US

Ukraine signed two technical agreements with the United States to operationalize the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, signed on April 30, the Economy Ministry announced. The agreements cover fund creation and financing, following the framework deal for mineral extraction and reconstruction.

Ukraine’s parliament also backed amendments to the Budget Code to implement the agreement, ensuring legal alignment for the fund’s long-term operations.

The court obliged the President’s Office to justify sanctions against Poroshenko

The Cassation Administrative Court within Ukraine’s Supreme Court ordered the Presidential Office to provide evidence for sanctions imposed on lawmaker and former President Petro Poroshenko, enacted by the National Security and Defense Council on February 12.

Businessman Ihor Kolomoisky requested to join Poroshenko’s case, noting both are on the same sanctions list. Poroshenko opposed Kolomoisky’s inclusion, arguing distinct circumstances.

Police bust major drug ring

Police dismantled a drug trafficking network producing and distributing psychotropic substances across Ukraine, seizing 700 kilograms of narcotics monthly and generating over 300 million hryvnias ($7.2 million) in profits.

Protest against Bill No. 5488 outside the Ministry of Justice

Conservative groups protested outside Kyiv’s Justice Ministry, urging a veto of Bill No. 5488, which aims to combat discrimination. Protesters chanted slogans like “Tradition, Family, Order,” “Glory to Jesus Christ,” “No to Gender Ideology,” and “God, Homeland, Patriarchy.”

MP reports blogger Alkhim to the SBU

MP Nataliya Pipa filed complaints with the SBU and National Police, seeking a legal review of blogger Anna Alkhim’s statements. Pipa said she received threatening calls following her appeal.

Kharkiv mayor: Man assaulted by recruitment officer is a teacher

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a man struck in the stomach by a military recruitment center officer is a teacher of history, human rights, and homeland defense.

The eighth-grade class teacher had a valid deferment and presented military documents during the encounter.

Other news

• A court banned Polish truckers from blocking a border checkpoint with Ukraine.
• Russia holds at least 13 Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant workers captive.
• Ukroboronprom offered jobs in Ukraine to Ukrainians abroad.

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