Delegations from Moscow and Kiev are scheduled to meet in Istanbul on Friday, marking their first in-person discussions about the conflict in Ukraine since 2022. Despite this significant gathering, hopes for meaningful progress in ending the war are low, especially with Russian President Vladimir Putin not in attendance.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has downplayed expectations for the peace talks, particularly after Moscow sent a small delegation and both sides exchanged criticisms prior to the discussions that were initially meant to take place on Thursday.
“I want to be honest… we don’t have high expectations about what will happen tomorrow,” Rubio acknowledged.
Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the conflict would continue with no resolution until Turkey made advancements that aligned with Putin’s interests, stating, “Until he and I come together, I don’t think anything will happen, whether you like it or not.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed skepticism, calling Moscow “not serious” about resolving the situation.
Last week, Putin proposed direct talks between the two leaders but did not agree to join Zelensky in person when challenged.
The Russian delegation is headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Putin known for his hardline stance, questioning Ukraine’s legitimacy and failing negotiations earlier in the conflict.
The Ukrainian team will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, accompanied by about twelve other officials.
Setting the Tone
Trump, who is looking to facilitate a peace settlement, suggested he might visit Turkey on Friday if there are significant advancements.
A Turkish Foreign Ministry source indicated that the discussions would occur in several formats on Friday.
“Trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey are on the agenda,” the source noted, along with separate meetings with U.S. and Turkish officials.
In a media briefing in Istanbul, Medinsky commented that Zelensky had set a negative tone ahead of the talks by referring to the Russian delegation as a “dummy.” In response, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, dismissed Zelensky, labeling him a “clown” and a “loser.”
Outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul, Medinsky told reporters that Russia sees this meeting as a continuation of discussions from 2022 and expressed a willingness to find common ground.
“The delegation aims to work constructively to explore potential solutions and establish long-term peace by ultimately addressing the conflict’s root causes,” he explained.
Prior to these negotiations, Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, voicing optimism that talks with Russia would commence that evening.
Following their meeting, Zelensky mentioned that Russia sent a high-level delegation “out of respect” for both Erdogan and Trump, emphasizing that he takes genuine negotiations seriously.
Avoiding Peace
Rubio stated that during his encounter with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga in Istanbul, U.S. officials at lower levels would also engage with the Russians.
As the planned discussions approached, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that Putin “must pay a price to avoid peace” while preparing to attend an upcoming European Political Community (EPC) conference in Albania.
The EPC, which links the European Union with 20 other countries, was created in 2022, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Starmer and Macron are set to be joined by German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Kiev and its European allies had urged Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire before any negotiations, but this proposal was rejected by Moscow.
Russia has called for significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, demanding more than what has already been lost during the conflict, and has even occasionally suggested the removal of Zelensky while requiring limitations on Ukrainian military forces.
While Kiev and its Western allies reject these demands, Zelensky acknowledges that reclaiming lost territory may only be achievable through diplomacy.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published by Syndicate Feed.)
