Following the Istanbul negotiations, Putin defined Russia's desired outcome for the "special operation" as creating conditions for "long-term peace," with multiple state media outlets amplifying this message throughout the day. Russian forces claimed control of Bogatyr village in Donetsk, described as dealing a "serious blow" to Ukrainian defenses.

Russia appears to be preparing formal ceasefire demands, with Rubio noting "positive moments" in Istanbul talks while warning about potential sanctions if negotiations stall. Reports indicated Trump and Putin will speak by phone on May 19, with Whitcoff suggesting this could "clear the logjam" on Ukraine.

In parallel news, Telegram founder Durov claimed a Western European country requested censorship of Romanian conservatives during their presidential elections, which Russian Foreign Ministry portrayed as absurd interference allegations. By evening, Russian media reported Biden's cancer diagnosis while Romania's pro-EU Bucharest mayor led in presidential voting.