Putin dodges Zelensky in Istanbul peace talks manoeuvre
Vladimir Putin does not intend to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, despite the planned peace talks. The Kremlin still has not disclosed who will represent Russia in Turkey. Is this a tactic to keep Kyiv uncertain?
What do you need to know?
- Putin does not plan to meet with Zelensky in Istanbul – the independent Russian service Moscow Times reports that the Russian president does not consider the Ukrainian leader his equal and will only agree to a meeting if Zelensky publicly capitulates.
- Uncertainty regarding Russia's representation – Moscow has not yet revealed who will represent Russia at the talks in Turkey, which could be a deliberate tactic to keep Kyiv and its allies in suspense.
- Zelensky awaits decisions – the Ukrainian president wants to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire and is waiting for the disclosure of the Russian delegation to take further steps.
Why is Putin avoiding a meeting with Zelensky?
According to the Moscow Times, Vladimir Putin does not intend to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul. Sources close to the Kremlin claim that the Russian president does not consider the Ukrainian leader his equal. The meeting would only make sense if Zelensky publicly capitulates. However, the Kremlin cannot directly reject this challenge because of US President Donald Trump, whom Putin wants to convince that Russia is interested in peace.
What is the Kremlin planning in Turkey?
Moscow still has not disclosed who will represent Russia at the talks in Turkey. Sources suggest that the silence surrounding Russia's plans is a tactic intended to keep Kyiv and its allies in suspense. The Kremlin is considering several possibilities, including a potential visit by Putin to Turkey, although without a meeting with Zelensky. Instead, Putin might meet with Donald Trump.
What are Zelensky's expectations?
Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he is waiting for the disclosure of who will represent Russia at the talks in Istanbul. The Ukrainian president wants to negotiate an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. His decisions will depend on who appears at the talks from the Russian side.
