After Putin, Zelenskyy To Skip Istanbul Peace Talks, Ukraine To Ship Defence Minister-Led Delegation

Ankara: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has mentioned he wouldn’t attend upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, although Kyiv will ship a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov as a part of a renewed push to de-escalate the battle.

Talking at a press convention on the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine remained dedicated to dialogue however expressed doubts about Moscow’s intentions. “Sadly, we don’t see any decision-makers amongst those that will signify the opposite aspect,” Zelenskyy informed reporters.

Regardless of his reservations, Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine would act constructively and ship representatives to the talks in an effort to forestall additional escalation, Xinhua information company reported. “I made a decision to ship our delegation to Istanbul,” he mentioned.

“Not everybody will probably be current — the top of the Safety Service, Vasyl Malyuk, and the Chief of the Normal Employees, Andriy Hnatov, won’t attend — however the delegation will probably be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. He will probably be joined by professionals, together with navy and intelligence officers.”

Zelenskyy mentioned the timing of the talks was nonetheless being finalised, however they have been anticipated to happen both Thursday or Friday. “The delegation has been despatched. Turkey’s delegation is prepared,” he mentioned. “It could possibly be at present, it could possibly be tomorrow.”

The talks in Istanbul will mark the primary direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow for the reason that outbreak of the Ukraine battle in 2022. Talking individually at a NATO International Ministers’ assembly in Antalya, Turkish International Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope that the Istanbul assembly may mark a turning level.

“I hope the talks to be held in Istanbul will open a brand new chapter for us,” Fidan mentioned. “After three years of struggling, we now see a window of alternative.” Fidan mentioned Russia and Ukraine have each expressed willingness, in precept, to think about a ceasefire, however with differing circumstances. He careworn that substantive talks would require compromises from each events. “There’s intense diplomatic exercise in Ankara, Antalya and Istanbul,” he mentioned. “If peace is the purpose, then either side have to be keen to make concessions.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, additionally attending the NATO assembly, mentioned Washington helps a negotiated settlement. “We’ll see what occurs on the Istanbul peace talks, however we wish to see progress,” he mentioned. French International Minister Jean-Noel Barrot mentioned Paris is pushing for an “pressing” and “unconditional” ceasefire. The Istanbul talks comply with a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday to renew direct negotiations with Ukraine.

Zelenskyy has beforehand mentioned he’s open to a face-to-face assembly with Putin. Nevertheless, the Kremlin mentioned Putin wouldn’t attend Thursday’s talks. Russia will as a substitute be represented by Presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.