1 week Ago
Zelensky Insists on Direct Dialogue, Questions Russia's Intentions
President Zelensky had publicly stated that he would attend the talks in Istanbul only if Putin also participated. While he will be in Turkey on Thursday to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, he remains uncertain about joining the Istanbul discussions. "I am waiting to see who will come from Russia," he said in a video message Wednesday. "So far, the signals from them in the media are unconvincing."
Putin and Zelensky have not met in person since December 2019. The last round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in March 2022, shortly after the full-scale invasion began. Since then, the war has intensified, with Russian forces steadily increasing their control in eastern Ukraine.
US and International Leaders React to Latest Peace Push
Former US President Donald Trump, who previously hinted he might attend if Putin did, will also not be present. However, the US is sending a high-level delegation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Turkey on Wednesday and will join NATO foreign ministers in meetings on Thursday. Rubio is also expected to attend follow-up discussions with European leaders in Istanbul on Friday.
Rubio's arrival was marked by a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace and urged Russia to match Ukraine's "constructive steps."
Trump, currently in Qatar, has continued efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. After speaking with Putin earlier this year and dispatching envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow, Trump declared Sunday's developments a "potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine" following Putin's call for talks "without pre-conditions."
Future of Talks Unclear as Leaders Hesitate
While Putin's absence casts uncertainty on the meeting's impact, Zelensky's presence in Turkey signals Ukraine's openness to dialogue if serious steps are taken. With both sides under pressure from ongoing military clashes and international calls for a ceasefire, the coming days could determine whether diplomatic progress is possible—or once again delayed.
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