Putin snubs Zelensky's proposal for Istanbul talks
Vladimir Putin did not intend to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, despite the Ukrainian leader's proposal. The media are analyzing his actions.
What you need to know
- Putin did not plan a meeting with Zelensky in Istanbul, even though the Ukrainian president proposed such talks. The Kremlin kept Putin's travel plans secret until the last moment.
- Russia does not recognize Zelensky as an equal partner for negotiations. The Kremlin believes that only Zelensky's public capitulation could prompt Putin to meet.
- Donald Trump pressed Putin to engage in talks with Zelensky, which influenced the decision to send a delegation to Istanbul.
Why is Putin avoiding meeting with Zelensky?
Vladimir Putin does not see Volodymyr Zelensky as an equal partner for talks. The Kremlin believes that only a public capitulation by the Ukrainian president could prompt Putin to a direct meeting, reports the "Moscow Times." Russia does not recognize Zelensky as a legitimate leader, which further complicates the possibility of negotiations.
What were Russia's plans in Istanbul?
Russia decided to send a delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky to Istanbul. This decision was part of a tactic aimed at keeping Kyiv and its allies uncertain, as analyzed by the "Moscow Times." The Kremlin did not confirm Putin's participation in the talks, which was meant to allow for possible last-minute changes in plans.
What are Putin's motives?
Putin aims to convince Donald Trump that Russia is interested in peace. The proposal to send a delegation to Istanbul was intended to resume talks from 2022. The Kremlin hopes that Trump will help negotiate a favorable agreement for Moscow or conclude that peace is unattainable, blaming Kyiv and its European allies for the impasse.
The Kremlin considered various options, extending uncertainty concerning Putin's participation. One possibility involved Putin flying to Turkey — but not to meet with Zelensky.
Since Putin generally tries not to recognize Zelensky and sees him only as a proxy for Washington, he would instead prefer to organize a brief summit with Trump in Istanbul, according to a current Russian government official.
A similar view was expressed by a former Kremlin employee, now an analyst, Aleksei Chesnakov, saying that such a strategy would allow Putin to demonstrate control and tactical flexibility.
Source: Moscow Times
