Ukraine plans peace summit with Russia, excludes direct talks
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, revealed at a press conference on Wednesday that Kyiv intends to organize a peace summit with Russia before the end of the year.
12:06 PM EDT, October 9, 2024
However, Bodnar ruled out the possibility of direct bilateral dialogue with Moscow, reports Reuters. "One of the most important goals of this summit is to reach a fair peace in Ukraine. We are not talking about a format here in which Ukraine and Russia sit across (from) each other, and Ukraine listens to Russia's demands," said the Ukrainian ambassador at a briefing in Ankara.
The diplomat emphasized that the meeting would involve third parties and expressed hope to organize it before the year's end.
Turkey's mediating role
During his speech, Bodnar highlighted Turkey's key role. Turkey maintains good relations with both Ukraine and Russia and can support mediating efforts for peace. He noted that Turkey's experience in this field would significantly contribute to the summit's proceedings.
Volodymyr Zelensky also prepared a particular Victory Plan, which he has already presented to President Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris. Other leaders were supposed to acquaint themselves with it on October 12 at the meeting in Ramstein. However, the meeting was postponed due to President Biden's decision to stay in the USA because of Hurricane Milton's approaching.
