Putin snubs ceasefire talks as demands escalate tensions
However, many indicators suggest that a breakthrough in the ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine will not happen anytime soon. This is not only because Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent a low-level delegation to Istanbul for negotiations with the Ukrainians but also due to Moscow's demands.
Over the weekend, it might have seemed that progress in the Ukraine war was taking place. In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a ceasefire, Russian leader Vladimir Putin invited negotiators to Istanbul. He himself did not attend, unlike the leader of the country invaded by the Russians.
The talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul ended on Friday after less than two hours, reported the Reuters agency, citing sources. Some Russian media, such as the RIA Novosti agency, mentioned that a break was announced during the talks. Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported that the delegations remain in the building where the talks were held.
Zelensky had earlier stated that only talks with Putin make sense because only he can decide on a ceasefire or peace. He expressed sharp criticism for the former KGB agent.
During Friday’s plenary session of the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that there had been a genuine opportunity for peace earlier in the week. However, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin chose not to attend the talks in Turkey and instead dispatched a delegation without the mandate to make binding decisions.
Not only the low rank of the Russian delegation, consisting mostly of deputy minister-level officials, diminished the chances for an agreement. The Reuters agency unofficially determined that this is also due to the demands presented by Putin's envoys.
The demands presented on Friday by the Russian delegation to the Ukrainian side in Istanbul are unrealistic and go beyond everything discussed so far, conveyed a source in the Ukrainian diplomacy, quoted by the Reuters agency.
It was also reported that the Russian delegation demands Ukraine withdraw its armed forces from part of its own territory to achieve a ceasefire.
Criticism from NATO and the USA
- Russia is doing everything to ensure that the efforts made in Istanbul do not bring results. It is not us, as the Kremlin claims, who are sabotaging the negotiations. If what Russia is doing turns out to be merely a theatrical gesture, the world will have to respond by hitting Russia's energy and banking sector. Pressure must increase, - urged the President of Ukraine on Friday.
Similar criticism was also heard from high-ranking NATO and U.S. officials. - All the pressure is now on Putin; he is the one in trouble. Ukraine, unlike Russia, sent to Turkey a delegation authorized to negotiate a ceasefire, - assessed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Tirana.
Rubio explained that the U.S. would no longer pursue the matter globally, as the key developments had already taken place. The delegation had arrived based on expectations of possible direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which was the initial premise shared with all parties. However, he noted that such talks are unlikely to occur, and even if they do, they will fall short of the hoped-for significance.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for unity in securing a much-needed ceasefire for Ukraine, adding that sanctions against Russia should be considered if required.
