Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul amid tense stakes
"Out of respect for President Trump, the high level of the Turkish delegation, and President Erdogan, and since we want to try to achieve at least the first steps toward de-escalation, an end to the war – namely a ceasefire – I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul," announced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday in Ankara.
What you need to know
- Ukrainian delegation: The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks will take place in Istanbul, with the goal of discussing the war situation with Russia.
- Russian representatives: The Kremlin is sending Vladimir Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, along with other high-ranking officials, to Istanbul.
- Zelensky's stance: The President of Ukraine emphasizes that an unconditional ceasefire should be the first step to ending the war.
The President conveyed at a press conference after meeting with Erdogan that the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The head of the Ukrainian state pointed out the low level of the Russian representatives sent by the Kremlin to the talks in Turkey.
Zelensky emphasized that the first step towards ending the war should be an unconditional ceasefire.
Before 10 AM Eastern Time, after nearly three hours, the meeting between the Presidents of Turkey and Ukraine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Volodymyr Zelensky, in Ankara concluded.
The bilateral meeting of the leaders was closed to the press.
On Thursday, delegations from Moscow and Kyiv are scheduled to hold talks in Istanbul about the war in Ukraine.
Is Ukraine's fate at stake? Talks in Istanbul
The Kremlin announced Wednesday evening that Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not be present in Istanbul. His advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, will head the Russian delegation. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, Admiral Igor Kostiukov, will also travel to Turkey.
Previously, President Zelensky stated that he would participate in talks with Russia only if Putin was also there. Ultimately, on Thursday, he announced that a delegation would represent him.
The United States is represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
