In a notable diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin dispatched a lower-ranking delegation of aides and deputy ministers to engage in peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday. This decision comes as a response to Kyiv’s invitation for him to attend the meeting in person with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which he declined.
Putin’s absence has cast a shadow over the prospects for the upcoming talks, marking the first such discussions since the early days of the conflict. This leaves the situation shrouded in uncertainty. Russia announced plans for a meeting in Istanbul later today; however, Turkish officials have stated that no such meeting is currently on the agenda.
Upon his arrival in Ankara, Zelenskiy characterized the Russian delegation—absent Putin, his foreign minister, and his chief foreign policy adviser—as merely “decorative.” He stated that Ukraine would determine its next steps regarding negotiations with Russia following his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
“It is crucial to ascertain the status of the Russian delegation, including the extent of their mandate and their capacity to make decisions,” he stated.
When questioned about his message to Putin, Zelenskiy responded to reporters at the airport, stating, “I’m here.” This statement conveys a distinct message.
Russia announced that its delegation has arrived in Istanbul and is prepared to engage in substantive discussions, while accusing Ukraine of attempting to create a spectacle surrounding the negotiations.
For months, both parties have engaged in a complex negotiation process, grappling with the intricacies of ceasefires and peace discussions. Their efforts are aimed at demonstrating to U.S. President Donald Trump their commitment to resolving what he has termed “this stupid war.”
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of thousands on both sides, marking it as the most lethal confrontation in Europe since the conclusion of World War II. Washington has issued repeated warnings that it may withdraw its mediation efforts if there is no evident progress in the situation.
On Thursday, Russia announced that its military had taken control of two additional settlements in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. A representative for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized to reporters his remark from the previous year, stating that Ukraine was “getting smaller” without a resolution to halt the conflict.
Trump’s influence is being felt strongly.
In Istanbul, a sense of confusion reigned as reporters congregated near the Dolmabahçe Palace, the location designated by Russian officials for the upcoming talks.
This week, Zelenskiy challenged Putin’s courage, questioning whether he would dare to make an appearance. The Kremlin has stated that President Putin, who faces the prospect of even stricter European sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s economy, does not yield to ultimatums.
Face-to-face negotiations between the conflicting parties last took place in Istanbul in March 2022, shortly after Putin launched his military invasion of Ukraine.
Following a significant reliance on Ukraine and a contentious meeting with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office last February, Trump has recently exhibited growing frustration with Putin, even threatening to impose further sanctions targeting Russian trade. During a three-nation tour of the Middle East, the U.S. president indicated on Thursday that he would attend the talks in Turkey on Friday, contingent upon the situation being deemed “appropriate”.
“There is a hope that Russia and Ukraine can resolve.” “It must come to an end,” he stated.
NOT THE KEY PLAYERS
During a NATO meeting in Turkey, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the conflict lacks a military solution, adding that Trump remains receptive to “virtually any mechanism” that could pave the way for peace.
Should the discussions proceed, they will need to confront a significant divide between the two parties regarding a range of topics.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has expressed support for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. In contrast, Russian President Putin has indicated that he prefers to initiate discussions before addressing the specifics of any potential truce.
As Russian forces maintain control over nearly 20% of Ukraine, President Putin continues to insist on his long-standing demands: that Kyiv relinquish territory, forsake its aspirations for NATO membership, and adopt a stance of neutrality.
Ukraine has dismissed these terms as equivalent to surrender and is actively pursuing assurances for its future security from global powers, with a particular focus on the United States.
The Russian delegation’s leader is presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who is accompanied by a deputy defence minister, a deputy foreign minister, and the head of military intelligence.
The Kremlin announced that President Putin convened a late-night meeting with ministers, military commanders, and intelligence chiefs to deliberate on the forthcoming negotiations.
A source connected to the Ukrainian delegation during the March 2022 negotiations in Istanbul revealed that Medinsky, who headed the Russian team at the time, lacked a robust mandate to make decisions.
A source indicated that those who will be present at the table may not be the primary decision-makers.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked that Zelenskiy demonstrated his commitment by attending the meeting in Turkey; however, he noted Putin’s conspicuous absence, referring to it as an “empty chair.”
“Putin appears to be delaying and shows a distinct lack of interest in engaging in peace negotiations, despite President Trump indicating his willingness and eagerness to assist in these discussions,” he stated.
Estonia, a member of both the EU and NATO, has characterized Putin’s decision to send a low-level team as a “slap in the face.”
In a significant escalation of tensions between Russia and the NATO alliance, Estonia reported that a Russian fighter jet had breached what it described as NATO territory. This incident occurred as the Estonian navy attempted to intercept an oil tanker bound for Russia, which is currently under British sanctions.
