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The Russian Delegation sent to Istanbul does not include the Russian President – or any of the Russian Ministers.
The Russian Delegation sent to Istanbul does not include the Russian President – or any of the Russian Ministers.
The day we’ve all been waiting for
All throughout the week, the world has been buzzing with rumours: Will Ukrainian President, Volodomyr Zelenskyy and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, meet face to face for the first time in three years?
Zelenskyy has arrived
Earlier today, videos from the airport in Ankara, capitol of Turkey, showed Zelenskyy exiting a plane. He is scheduled to meet the Turkish President, Recep Erdogan, at noon, according to Reuters.
No Putin
However, when Russia released the list of names in the delegation sent to Turkey, Putin’s name was nowhere to be found. Actually none of his ministers either. Kremlin Spokesperson, Dmitrij Peskov, confirmed that Putin will not be in Turkey earlier today.
Who is Russia sending instead?
The Russian delegations is said to have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s leader will be Presidential Advisor for Putin, Vladimir Medinskij, and he is accompanied by the leader of the Russian Military Intelligence, Igor Kostjukov, as well as the Russian Vice Foreign Minister, Mikhail Galuzin.
What will happen now?
Zelenskyy has previously said that he would only attend the peace talks if Putin would be there as well. Since the Russian President is absent, it is uncertain what will happen now.
Awaiting next move
During a press conference after arriving in Ankara, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is now considering the next step in negotiations with Russia after his meeting with Erdogan. He also called the Russian Delegation “decorative”.
What about Trump?
During the week, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted he might be in Turkey today as well. However, since earlier today it was confirmed that Trump would not arrive in Turkey for the negotiations.
Putin critisiced for sending “low-level” delegation
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is also in Turkey today, has criticed Putin for sending what the Secretary calls a “low-level” delegation. “The readiness for that peace is demonstrated by President Zelensky being here in Turkey,” he added.
NATO-meeting next door
Even though most of the world have been focused on the possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin today, another important meeting is actually happening i Turkey today as well – a NATO-meeting.
Pivotal summit coming
The NATO-meeting is meant to be a preparation for a pivotal summit of alliance leders happening next month. It is the foreign ministers of NATO, who is gathering in Turkey today.
“Cautiously optimistic” for breakthrough
NATO chief, Mark Rutte, said this morning that he is “cautiously optimistic” regarding a possible breakthrough in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.