Ukrainian-Russian talks in Istanbul are to start on Friday. Vladimir Putin himself came out with the initiative, and the idea was immediately picked up by Donald Trump, publishing an entry in social media, in which he called Ukraine to “immediately” adopt the proposal of the Russian president. Wołodymyr Zelanski bounced the ball, ensuring that he would come to talks if Vladimir Putin appears on them. He also called Donald Trump to participate in the meeting as a mediator. Putin, however, did not go to Istanbul, and he sent a low -level delegation to talks. As a result, Zelanski announced that he would not go to Istanbul, but he sends a delegation, headed by the Defense Minister of Ukraine, Rust of Dies. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio staying in Turkey, who was originally to take part in negotiations, stated on Thursday that he would not be present at the meeting, but the US would send someone there “at the appropriate level”.
Mariia Tsiptsura: The meeting in Istanbul could have been an important step towards the room. Putin, however, did not arrive and sent a low -level delegation.
Petro Olenszczuk: I thought Putin would try to imitate negotiations. But he didn't even do it. He decided on a diplomatic gesture that can be considered as rejecting the very idea of negotiations. After all, it is clear that deputy ministers cannot be authorized to conduct significant negotiations. Medinous [doradca Putina Władimir Medinski, który stanął na czele rosyjskiej delegacji — red.] It can only repeat the ultimatum placed in 2022. There is no more rights. In other words, along with all this delegation, Putin says: I will not talk about anything, I will not renounce the ultimatum from 2022, and then I will say that it is Ukraine and the world that they are guilty of the fact that there is no negotiations because they do not want to accept the ultimatum.
Does this mean that Putin still thinks in terms of 2022, wants all of Ukraine and does not intend to stop the war?
He showed all this story with negotiations that he would not compromise. But at the same time he left Trump some hope. This is a cunning model of the horde leader's reaction. The Russians did not send a single minister demonstratively [w skład delegacji, oprócz Medinskiego, weszli zastępca ministra spraw zagranicznych Michaił Galuzin, szef Głównego Zarządu Sztabu Generalnego Sił Zbrojnych Igor Kostiukow i wiceminister obrony Aleksander Fomin — red.]. Marco Rubio flew to Istanbul, but there is no one to meet with, because there is not a single person at his level in the Russian delegation.
How do you assess Zelanski's decision not to fly to Istanbul?
This could be expected. Zelanski said earlier that he would meet only Putin. And this is logical, taking into account the diplomatic status. The Russian delegation does not include Putin, or even anyone at government level. Zelanski cannot meet this delegation. It would be a disrespect for himself. The head of our delegation is already the defense minister Rust Rust and it is a wide gesture from Ukraine, because there are no ministers from Russia. Zelanski said that Ukraine should negotiate a ceasefire. Ukraine has already expressed maximum respect for the presidents of Trump and Erdogan. And Zełnski plays this game to the end. He tries to show Trump that Ukraine is ready to negotiate and wants to end the war. Russia is not and Russia does not demonstrate the real desire for peace.
Expert: We are not approaching the end of the war. We go in the opposite direction
So the presence of such a large Ukrainian delegation in Turkey is a picture for Trump?
Yes, it is a signal that Ukraine does not give up negotiations. And Ukraine did what the United States wanted.
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But maybe the picture would be more eloquent if Zelanski flew to Istanbul?
No, he wouldn't. I think it was the right decision not to go there. Finally, if he were in Istanbul, rumors would immediately appear that he actually participated in negotiations or issued instructions for our delegation. And this would significantly increase the status of a Russian delegation. Russia would immediately release many fakes. The situation is as follows: the Russians did not send anyone at the appropriate level, which means that the President of Ukraine has nothing to do there and is not involved in these negotiations.
Do I understand correctly that the whole situation tells us that we are not going to any peace talks and we are not closer to the end of the war?
Yes. We go in the opposite direction. I assume that a few months ago Putin was ready for a break in the war. But since then he heard so many compliments from the US and became so convinced that Trump is his winning fate at the lottery that he now sees no reason to stop. He believes that if everyone is ready for concessions to him, it means that the enemy is weak and should be finished. But the United States does not understand this logic.
“The USA does not understand or understand Putin's logic”
After Russia sent such a delegation and disregarded conversations, which were the initiative of the Kremlin, the US can change their position?
They do not understand or understand Putin's logic. Trump said Putin did not come because Trump himself did not come. It's nonsense. What's more, from the very beginning Trump demanded that everyone be in Istanbul. Judging by Trump's logic, he will now say that there will be great negotiations and the end of the war soon. We should not expect any real steps from the USA.
After all, Putin, sending such a delegation, literally spat Trump in the face, right?
Here we have to talk about Trump's psychology. His style is to pretend that nothing happened, that everything is under control, that everyone respects and listen to him. Absolutely in the Trump style, it would be to say that Russia sent a very respected delegation because of his respect for him and that evil Ukraine, headed by the president, did not want to talk to them. There are many ways to say in such a way that Ukraine looks guilty. Let's remember how Trump said that Putin does not take over all of Ukraine just because he respects him. But the question is different: what will the European Union and its leaders do now?
Oleszczuk: Putin thinks Europe is afraid of him. And this means that it may come up with, for example, the idea: “Talin in three days”
What are their options?
They said many times that they were waiting for the US negotiations and reaction. In fact, negotiations have been broken and there may be no US reaction. Something needs to be done. This cannot be dragged on forever – decisions must be made. Putin showed that for him there is no reason to end the war. The Russian perspective is that they are moving forward and will soon conquer everything. The US cannot understand the most important: until Putin gets on his head, he doesn't go to any negotiations. Because from his point of view there is no reason to do this. Putin was ready to negotiate after a successful counteroffensive of the Ukrainian armed forces. And now the situation looks good for him, he does not put any real ultimatum. If Putin was told that if he refused to negotiate, Ukraine would receive much more resources, it could be an argument. But this cannot be expected from Trump. He lives in a different world.
What could be Europe's answer?
First of all, the question arises what to do with Orban and Fico. All decisions that can be made in the EU in the case of Ukraine and Russia require unanimity, so they are blocked. And in addition, Orban plays a very interesting game. Recently, SBU announced the disclosure of Hungarian agents in the corner, a fairly extensive network that has been working there from yesterday. It is therefore obvious that Orban is involved in anti -Ukrainian and espionage activities. Hungary openly behaves like a hostile state of Ukraine. And in this situation, we should not expect that they will support serious anti -Russian sanctions.
So what should we do?
This is a question for EU leaders. They must finally start making decisions themselves. Perhaps the leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany and Poland, who were recently in Kiev, should take part of their responsibility. Maybe Germany can provide new rockets. This, of course, will not change the situation radically, but it will be a signal.
And the sanctions that Europe threatened if Putin did not start negotiations? Can they be applied?
I think the EU may, but it's a matter of political will. There may also be other steps. For example, they could decide to stop all Russian tankers of the Shadow Fleet in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. It would be a serious blow to the Russian economy. Tankowce could be arrested, sent to ports, sold, and the income donated to the Reconstruction Fund for Ukraine. This is a very specific and demonstrative step. And it does not require the consent of Fico, Orban or Trump.
Unfortunately, Europe looks very poor. They put an ultimatum, threatened with sanctions, and now they are silent and do not remember.
Yes, Europe looks more weaker now. And this undermines the security of Europe itself. After all, Putin is becoming more and more insolent. He may have an idea to solve everything by hitting Europe. Putin thinks that Ukraine's partners are afraid of him. And this means that it may come up with, for example, the idea: “Talin in three days”.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
