Putin snubs Zelensky's meeting offer in Istanbul gambit
Vladimir Putin did not plan to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, despite the Ukrainian leader's proposal. The media are analysing his actions.
What do you need to know?
- Putin did not plan a meeting with Zelensky in Istanbul, even though the Ukrainian president proposed such talks. The Kremlin kept Putin's travel plans secret until the last moment.
- Russia does not recognise Zelensky as an equal partner for negotiations. The Kremlin believes that only a public capitulation by Zelensky could prompt Putin to meet.
- Donald Trump pressured Putin to engage in talks with Zelensky, which influenced the decision to send a delegation to Istanbul.
Why does Putin avoid meeting with Zelensky?
Vladimir Putin does not see Volodymyr Zelensky as an equal partner for talks. The Kremlin believes that only a public capitulation by the Ukrainian president could prompt Putin to meet directly, according to the "Moscow Times". Russia does not recognise Zelensky as a legitimate leader, which further complicates the possibility of negotiations.
What were Russia's plans in Istanbul?
Russia decided to send a delegation to Istanbul, led by Vladimir Medinsky. This decision was part of a tactic to keep Kyiv and its allies in uncertainty, as analysed by the "Moscow Times". The Kremlin did not confirm Putin's participation in the talks, which allowed for a possible change of plans at the last moment.
What are Putin's motives?
Putin aims to convince Donald Trump that Russia is interested in peace. The proposal to send a delegation to Istanbul was intended to resume talks from 2022. The Kremlin hopes that Trump will help negotiate a favourable agreement for Moscow or conclude that peace is unattainable, blaming Kyiv and its European allies.
The Kremlin considered various options, prolonging uncertainty over Putin's involvement. One option would involve Putin flying to Turkey — but not for a meeting with Zelensky.
Since Putin generally tries not to recognise Zelensky and sees him only as a Washington proxy, he would rather organise a brief summit with Trump in Istanbul, according to a current Russian government official.
A similar view was expressed by former Kremlin staffer and current analyst Alexei Chesnakov, who said that such a strategy will allow Putin to demonstrate control and tactical flexibility.
Source: Moscow Times
