The Kremlin has dismissed the Ukrainian president’s ambitious invitation to discuss peace at a meeting in Turkey, with Vladimir Putin stating he wouldn’t consult in Istanbul.
Later on Wednesday, a Kremlin representative announced that hardliner Vladimir Medinsky, who led the single round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, would head their delegation.
Following this announcement, U.S. officials indicated that Donald Trump would also not participate in the talks. Trump had previously mentioned he might only go to Turkey if Putin were there.
Medinsky, a former conservative Russian minister of culture, will be joined in Istanbul by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Gardin, Deputy Minister of Defense Alexander Fomin, and Igor Kostukov, the head of Russia’s military intelligence.
The choice of Medinsky to lead the consultations suggests that Russia aims to revive discussions reminiscent of the unproductive Istanbul talks in 2022, with significant demands such as limiting Ukrainian troops and preventing reconstruction efforts with Western aid.
Interestingly, the Kremlin has not sent two of its senior diplomats, Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Lavrov.
Pressure has mounted on Putin to join the discussions since both Zelenskyy and Trump encouraged him to come to Istanbul for potential peace talks.
Zelenskyy challenged Putin to a personal meeting in Turkey after Russian officials used late-night Kremlin addresses to advocate for direct negotiations.
The upcoming talks on Thursday have gained importance amid rising tensions and strategic posturing from both Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is en route to Ankara on Wednesday evening, with plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday, as confirmed by his aides.
The Ukrainian leader stated he is prepared to fly to Istanbul immediately if a Russian leader appears. “If Putin doesn’t show up and plays games, it makes it clear he doesn’t want to end the war,” he remarked on Tuesday.
In conjunction with the diplomatic maneuvers, U.S. envoy Steve Witkov mentioned he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be heading to Istanbul on Friday. This trip could potentially cut short Rubio’s visit to the UAE, but the U.S. president has only referred to the journey as a “possibility.”
Trump publicly urged Zelenskyy to accept the negotiation offer and expressed hope that Putin would attend.
On Wednesday, Trump seemed uncertain if Putin is in Turkey, but acknowledged the “possibility” of being diverted there. “He wants me to be present, and that could be… I can’t say for sure he would go if I wasn’t there,” he commented.
However, he noted that he is scheduled to be in the UAE on Thursday for a Gulf tour finale. Still, regarding a potential visit to Turkey, he added, “That doesn’t mean I won’t do it if it can save many lives.”
The U.S. president stated he would send Secretary of State Marco Rubio along with senior envoys Steve Witkov and Keith Kellogg to Turkey.
Brazil and China, countries with close ties to Moscow, have also expressed support for talks between Russia and Ukraine.
At a press conference in Beijing, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva mentioned he would urge Putin to meet with Zelenskyy. “I’m going to talk to Putin,” Lula declared. “It doesn’t cost me anything: ‘Hey, Putin and Comrade, go to Istanbul and negotiate, damn it.’
Brazil and China released a joint statement on Tuesday advocating for direct negotiations as “the only way to end the conflict.”
Putin and Zelenskyy have only met once back in 2019, with Moscow consistently portraying Ukrainian leaders as illegitimate.
During the talks in Istanbul, Ukraine is expected to push for a 30-day ceasefire as a basis for further discussions.
Moscow has routinely rejected proposals to expand a ceasefire, arguing that it would only give Ukraine time to regroup while Russian forces continue their advances.
Russian officials have indicated they will seek maximum demands in Istanbul, similar to those brought up in Turkey during the spring of 2022.
European leaders have promised to increase pressure on Russia if the consultations in Turkey do not succeed, but a crucial question remains regarding whether Moscow’s tightening measures will allow Trump to align with the discussions.
