Russia seeks US, Turkey absence in crucial Istanbul talks
Russia demands that talks with Ukraine in Istanbul occur without the participation of the USA and Turkey. This might undermine peace efforts, claims a Ukrainian diplomatic source.
What do you need to know?
- Russia wants to exclude the USA and Turkey from talks: A Ukrainian diplomatic source reported that Russia insists the talks in Istanbul proceed without the presence of representatives from the United States and Turkey.
- Meeting in Istanbul: On Friday, delegations from the USA, Ukraine, and Turkey met, attended by the foreign ministers of these countries.
- Further talks: Another meeting is planned with the participation of Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, where the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations will soon begin talks in Istanbul, led by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Reuters reported, citing sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
These are the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in three years.
Why does Russia want to exclude the USA and Turkey?
A Ukrainian diplomatic source, who chose to remain anonymous, told Reuters that Russia demands that the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul occur without representatives of the United States and Turkey. "Another sign that the Russian side is undermining peace efforts. We came to have a serious conversation, while the Russians are putting forward demands and conditions,” the source said.
Does Russia want to halt the peace process?
According to the Ukrainian source, Russia may fear the presence of the USA because they came to halt the peace process, not to solve problems, and they want to hide it from the United States. The Friday meeting in Istanbul included the USA, Ukraine, and Turkey's foreign ministers: Marco Rubio, Andriy Sybiha, and Hakan Fidan.
What are the further plans for the talks?
Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey will participate in the next meeting, scheduled for Friday. The Ukrainian side mentioned that Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will lead its team, while Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, will head the Russian delegation.
