Crucial Ukraine-Russia peace talks kick off in Istanbul
Talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations about the war will commence on Friday, according to the independent Russian portal Meduza. Originally, consultations were expected to start on Thursday.
An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that the Ukrainian delegation will arrive in Istanbul on Thursday evening. However, the talks are scheduled to begin the following day.
Representatives from the U.S. and Turkey are expected to act as mediators during the Istanbul talks.
Zelensky with Erdogan
According to Ukrainian media, Zelensky, who met with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, has completed his visit to Ankara and is now heading to Tirana to participate in the European Political Community Summit. He had previously announced that he would travel to Albania on Friday with the Turkish leader.
The Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Vladimir Putin.
Talks in Istanbul: Who will sit at the table?
The Kremlin announced Wednesday evening that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not be in Istanbul. His advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, will lead the Russian delegation. Also traveling to Turkey are Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and the head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Admiral Igor Kostiukov.
Previously, President Zelensky stated that he would participate in talks with Russia only if Putin were also present. Ultimately, on Thursday, he announced that a delegation would represent him.
The United States will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
