Ukraine and Russia meet in Istanbul: Navigating delicate diplomacy
"Out of respect for President Trump, the high level of the Turkish delegation, and President Erdogan, and since we want to try to achieve at least the first steps toward de-escalation, an end to the war – namely a ceasefire – I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul," stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday in Ankara.
What do you need to know?
- Ukrainian delegation: The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks will take place in Istanbul, aiming to discuss the war situation with Russia.
- Russian representatives: The Kremlin is sending Vladimir Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, along with other high-ranking officials to Istanbul.
- Zelensky's stance: The President of Ukraine emphasizes that the first step to ending the war should be an unconditional ceasefire.
The president conveyed at a press conference following the meeting with Erdogan that the Ukrainian delegation would be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The head of the Ukrainian state pointed out the low level of the representatives from Russia sent by the Kremlin for talks in Turkey.
Zelensky emphasized that the first step toward ending the war should be an unconditional ceasefire.
Before 10:00 AM Eastern Time, after nearly three hours, the meeting of the presidents of Turkey and Ukraine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Volodymyr Zelensky, concluded in Ankara.
The bilateral leaders' meeting was closed to the press.
On Thursday in the Turkish city of Istanbul, delegations from Moscow and Kyiv will hold talks about the war in Ukraine.
Are the fates of Ukraine at stake? Talks in Istanbul
The Kremlin announced Wednesday evening that Russian leader Vladimir Putin won't be in Istanbul. Heading the Russian delegation will be his advisor, Vladimir Medinsky. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and Admiral Igor Kostiukov, head of the main directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, will also go to Turkey.
Earlier, President Zelensky said he would participate in talks with Russia only if Putin was also there. Ultimately, on Thursday, he conveyed that a delegation would represent him.
The United States is represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
