Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has confirmed that a delegation will engage in peace talks with Russia in Istanbul. However, he criticized the low-level delegation representing Russia, reinforcing demands for greater respect in negotiations. Simultaneously, US political leaders suggest that a direct meeting between Trump and Putin is crucial for any significant breakthrough.
Ukraine Sends Delegation for Peace Talks Amid Calls for Direct Trump-Putin Meeting
Ukraine Sends Delegation for Peace Talks Amid Calls for Direct Trump-Putin Meeting
As Ukraine prepares for peace discussions in Istanbul, US diplomats stress the importance of a personal meeting between Trump and Putin for progress.
In a news conference from Ankara, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would dispatch a delegation, led by the defense minister, for peace talks in Istanbul with Russian officials. However, he expressed frustrations regarding what he perceives as Russia's lack of seriousness in the negotiations, specifically criticizing the "low-level" representatives sent by Moscow.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who is leading the Russian team, asserted that they possess "all the necessary competencies" for productive dialogue. This comes amidst assertions from U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, who emphasized the need for a face-to-face encounter between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve any notable advances in the peace talks. Rubio is in Turkey to participate in discussions among NATO foreign ministers.
As Trump toured the Middle East, he reiterated the importance of direct communication with Putin, stating, "Nothing's going to happen until Putin and I get together." He signaled a willingness to attend talks in Turkey, contingent on appropriateness, while uncertainty looms about when the meeting will occur, with speculations suggesting they could potentially take place on Friday.
Although initial plans were for Ukrainian and Russian delegations to meet on Thursday, specifics regarding the timing remained unconfirmed as the evening approached. The ongoing discussions represent the first in-person negotiations since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The talks were initially prompted by Putin's proposal following pleas from European leaders and the Ukrainian government for a ceasefire.
Zelensky also reaffirmed his challenge for a personal meeting with Putin, criticizing the Russian delegation's perceived disrespect toward both Putin and Turkish President Erdoğan due to their lack of seniority. He articulated his sentiments by saying, "No time of the meeting, no agenda, no high-level of delegation - this is personal disrespect."
Medinsky, addressing reporters in Istanbul, indicated that Russia views these discussions as a continuation of earlier negotiations from 2022. The Kremlin aims to achieve long-term peace by addressing the fundamental causes of conflict, although previous conditions—including demands for Ukraine to forsake NATO ambitions—have been outright rejected by Ukraine as demands for capitulation.
The fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russia claiming control over additional regions, threatening to complicate the peace process even further. UK Defence Minister John Healey has called for allies to reinforce pressure on Putin through sanctions to facilitate meaningful negotiations.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who is leading the Russian team, asserted that they possess "all the necessary competencies" for productive dialogue. This comes amidst assertions from U.S. officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, who emphasized the need for a face-to-face encounter between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve any notable advances in the peace talks. Rubio is in Turkey to participate in discussions among NATO foreign ministers.
As Trump toured the Middle East, he reiterated the importance of direct communication with Putin, stating, "Nothing's going to happen until Putin and I get together." He signaled a willingness to attend talks in Turkey, contingent on appropriateness, while uncertainty looms about when the meeting will occur, with speculations suggesting they could potentially take place on Friday.
Although initial plans were for Ukrainian and Russian delegations to meet on Thursday, specifics regarding the timing remained unconfirmed as the evening approached. The ongoing discussions represent the first in-person negotiations since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The talks were initially prompted by Putin's proposal following pleas from European leaders and the Ukrainian government for a ceasefire.
Zelensky also reaffirmed his challenge for a personal meeting with Putin, criticizing the Russian delegation's perceived disrespect toward both Putin and Turkish President Erdoğan due to their lack of seniority. He articulated his sentiments by saying, "No time of the meeting, no agenda, no high-level of delegation - this is personal disrespect."
Medinsky, addressing reporters in Istanbul, indicated that Russia views these discussions as a continuation of earlier negotiations from 2022. The Kremlin aims to achieve long-term peace by addressing the fundamental causes of conflict, although previous conditions—including demands for Ukraine to forsake NATO ambitions—have been outright rejected by Ukraine as demands for capitulation.
The fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russia claiming control over additional regions, threatening to complicate the peace process even further. UK Defence Minister John Healey has called for allies to reinforce pressure on Putin through sanctions to facilitate meaningful negotiations.
