Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the Russian delegation sent for peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, suggesting they were nothing but a facade after President Vladimir Putin’s absence.
Zelensky expressed skepticism about the possibility of meaningful negotiations after learning that Putin would not attend. A spokesperson for Ukraine had previously indicated that Putin’s presence was essential, as real decisions can only come from him. Without him, discussions would likely be unproductive.
According to Russian regional media, a delegation from Moscow did arrive in Turkey, but Putin did not travel with them.
Upon his arrival at Istanbul Airport on Thursday morning, Zelensky received a ceremonial welcome from Turkish soldiers and delivered a short speech before meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He deferred the discussions, noting, “We need to determine the nature of the Russian delegation and whether they can actually make decisions.”
Addressing Putin directly, Zelensky remarked in English, “I’m here. I think this conveys a clear message.”
Regarding the concerns about the authenticity of the Russian delegation, Zelensky described them as “fake” or mere “theater props.” It’s uncertain if the talks will proceed, but this could mark the first direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian officials since the negotiations in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion.
In response, Russia dismissed Zelensky’s comments, labeling him as an uneducated “poor man” and “clown.” They asserted that “Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith,” claiming their delegation was prepared for serious discussions.
During Thursday’s lunch, a Russian spokesman complained about wasted time, asserting they had been waiting for the Ukrainians since morning without any meeting taking place.
Moscow countered Ukraine’s allegations of Russia’s disinterest in peace, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressing concerns about Western influence over media narratives. He suggested that countries like Germany, France, and the UK were not genuinely interested in peace, indicating a belief that Britain was oddly guiding Zelensky through complex global politics.
This story is developing and will be updated.
