Without Vladimir Putin, the Russian diplomatic mission will travel to Istanbul today, where talks with the Ukrainian side will be held.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced late Wednesday (14/5) the composition of the Russian delegation for direct talks with Ukraine. The delegation includes top political and military officials, including Putin's adviser Vladimir Medinsky, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and the director of the GRU military intelligence service, Igor Kostyukov.
The presence of the same individuals who participated in the previous 2022 talks indicates a possible return to older negotiation formats.
Zelensky on his way to Ankara
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is on his way to Ankara, a Ukrainian official said. The Ukrainian leader is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has taken on a mediation role and is offering to host a new peace summit. Zelensky has said Ukraine is open to any form of talks that could lead to a just and sustainable peace.
“I am waiting to see who will arrive from Russia and then I will decide what steps Ukraine should take,” Zelensky said in his video message last night. In fact, he accused Vladimir Putin of “continuing to hit Ukraine” instead of thinking about the talks.
Turkey as a mediator - Trump out of the equation
Turkey, through President Erdogan, is attempting to play a key role as a neutral force that could bridge the gap between Moscow and Kiev. Although Russia has not yet officially confirmed the presence of high-ranking representatives at the level of heads of state, Erdogan's initiative gives new impetus to the peace process.
Despite initial indications that he might travel to Turkey, US President Donald Trump will not participate in the talks. A US official confirmed that Trump will not travel to Ankara, although he had left open the possibility of doing so if Putin was also present.
The absence of the American president may de-escalate the political situation, leaving more room for direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations.
Diplomatic fever in Turkey: How close is peace?
Upcoming talks in Turkey raise hopes, though the path to an agreement remains uncertain. The participation of top military and diplomatic figures suggests that Russia may be approaching the process more seriously this time, while Ukraine continues to insist on its territorial integrity as a precondition.
The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping that Ankara can be the turning point towards ending a war that has claimed thousands of lives and dramatically altered the geopolitical balance in Europe.
Source: iefimerida.gr
