The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Russia plans to modify its demands regarding Ukraine “for the sake of ground developments.”
Putin suggested on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine should restart peace talks that had begun in 2022 but quickly faded after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since first invading Ukraine in 2014 and acquiring Crimea, the “special operation” initiated in February 2022 has significantly escalated the conflict, especially around the capital.
In light of a call from Ukraine for direct peace discussions facilitated by Turkey, the Russian leader contemplated a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire to allow time for establishing a path to peace. However, Putin has not directly acknowledged that ceasefire proposal.
The Ukrainian side responded quickly to Turkey’s invitation for consultations, with Zelensky traveling to Türkiye on the chance of meeting with Russian representatives during an event in Ankara. The Kremlin confirmed Putin would not attend these discussions in person, but a possibility for a lower-level conversation remained open, although no press coverage occurred.
Regarding possible peace negotiations in Turkey, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia has the right to alter negotiation terms, hinting at forthcoming “adjustments.”
“There is indeed an adjustment to Russia’s position, influenced by developments on the ground,” she stated to reporters. Zakharova added, warning that “each time a deal supported by Russia is violated, Ukraine will shrink.”
Tas confirmed that a team of Russian negotiators is present in Turkey for unspecified discussions, with Putin not among them. The team is reportedly led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin.
Zelensky arrived in Turkey ready to meet Putin, accusing the Russian leader of dismissing the current delegation as “fake” and “theater props.” In a detailed statement shared on social media, the Ukrainian president expressed disappointment over Russia’s lack of a serious approach to peace talks and indicated he would remain in Ankara after his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while sending a lower-level envoy to Istanbul.
Erdogan and Zelensky spent over two hours in private discussions on Thursday. Turkey, a significant player in the Black Sea region, a NATO member, and a long-term economic partner of Russia, has carved out a unique role amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Zelensky noted that upon learning the composition of the Russian delegation, it became evident they were not genuinely engaging in real consultations. He remarked, “So far, we have not seen any real decision-makers among those who have arrived. It was Russia that suggested face-to-face negotiations, a notion even President Trump supported.”
“Despite the relatively low status of the Russian delegation, I still hold respect for President Trump and the high-level discussions taking place in Turkey with President Erdogan,” he explained regarding the Istanbul meetings.
Zelensky’s efforts came with signals from the Ukrainian side that if Putin did not show in Turkey, they would cease pursuing a meeting with Russia. Andri Yamak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, underscored President Trump’s backing for both leaders.
Putin’s absence also dashed hopes from the Turkish side for a breakthrough to end the ongoing violence. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about the potential for progress on Thursday.
“After three unbearable years of suffering, the window of opportunity has finally opened,” Fidan declared, hoping that the Istanbul negotiations signified a new chapter for peace.
Erdogan stated on Thursday that Turkey is emerging as the “center” of a new world order, asserting that the country’s involvement in the Ukraine invasion is evidence of this shift.
“Our world is changing; the old order is falling apart. Our geography, with Türkiye at its core, creates a new equation,” Erdogan noted during an event at the Academy of Organizational Leadership School, according to state media.
No details about the outcomes of the conversations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations had been released at the time of reporting.
