Russian media extensively covered the preparations for the May 15 Istanbul peace talks. By evening, Putin appointed his aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead the delegation, signaling the Kremlin's serious but measured approach. Trump announced readiness to adjust his schedule for potential Putin meetings "to save lives," while Brazilian President Lula da Silva briefly stopped in Moscow, speaking with Putin by phone about Ukrainian settlement.

Military operations continued with Russia claiming liberation of Mikhaylovka in DPR and a military correspondent announcing the beginning of the battle for Slavyansk. Russian media reported Ukrainian drone attacks against Belgorod region that injured 16 people, including three ambulance workers.

Economic news revealed Russia classifying a record 32% of its budget and Chinese bank subsidiaries achieving top profitability in Russia. The EU approved its 17th sanctions package targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," while Putin declared that "apologies aren't enough" for Western companies seeking to return.