Putin's absence in Istanbul: Diplomacy questioned amid new EU sanctions
Kaja Kallas, the head of EU diplomacy, commented on Vladimir Putin's absence from the talks in Istanbul, emphasising that Russia does not take negotiations seriously.
Key information
- Kaja Kallas emphasises that Russia does not want peace.
- Vladimir Putin did not appear at the talks in Istanbul.
- The European Commission is preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
On Friday, negotiations took place in Istanbul with the participation of representatives from the USA, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey. However, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, did not attend the meeting. The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, commented on this situation, highlighting that Russia is not taking the talks seriously.
As I guessed Putin doesn't dare to come. So I think downplaying this shows that they are not serious about these talks. The whole world can see that Russia is playing games - said Kallas.
Kaja Kallas reported that the European Commission is working on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Earlier, on Wednesday, EU countries accepted the 17th package, which includes sanctions on Russian ships and restrictions against prosecutors and judges involved in the repression of opposition activists.
Reactions to Putin's absence
Putin's absence in Istanbul sparked a wave of comments. - The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, made a big mistake by sending a low-level delegation to Istanbul for talks with Ukraine — assessed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday in Tirana. He also emphasised that Ukraine had sent a delegation to Turkey authorised to negotiate a ceasefire.
Marco Rubio, representing the USA, also did not hide his disappointment. At the same time, he stated that he does not believe that any breakthrough in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is possible "until President Trump sits face to face with President Putin and determines what his intentions are moving forward."
