Talks in Türkiye? Expert warns Zelenskyy and Putin have nothing to discuss
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: RBC-Ukraine collage)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to come to Türkiye, since there's nothing to discuss with him. Likewise, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is unlikely to produce acceptable results, said political technologist Taras Zahorodniy.
The expert explained that Türkiye's willingness to actively facilitate peace negotiations, including serving as a platform for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Russian president, is quite simple to understand.
Türkiye makes significant profits by purchasing Russian oil. Secondary US sanctions could lead to major losses, which is why Türkiye is interested in Russia agreeing to a peace deal. European sanctions against Russian oil would also negatively affect Turkish interests.
But there is a problem. Putin is unlikely to dare to come to Türkiye. And even if he does — there is nothing to talk about with him.
"I don't believe Putin will come to Türkiye. It's unlikely. Even if he theoretically comes, what would the conversation be about? Again about the Pechenegs and how Ukraine should give up all four regions?" Zahorodniy noted.
Similarly, a meeting between Trump and Xi is theoretically possible. But they also, essentially, have nothing to talk about, the expert explained. Yes, they could reach some agreements, but it would essentially be a short-term pause before war resumes.
"And a meeting between Trump and Putin, even the three of them together… What would the conversation be about? Trump won't go into negotiations where he doesn't come out looking like the winner. Because he always has to look good. So all of this is virtual — and Türkiye's attempt to appear stronger," Zahorodniy concluded.
Possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin
On August 1, Putin made another series of delusional statements. Among them, he claimed he allegedly wants to end the war with Ukraine. However, according to him, this would only be possible on Moscow's terms.
In response, Zelenskyy emphasized that if this is indeed a signal of readiness to end the war, Ukraine's offer to hold a meeting at the level of leaders remains valid.
During the last round of negotiations in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation proposed holding talks with the participation of US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, Russia continues to stall and comes up with one excuse more absurd than the last — despite Türkiye's announcements that the meeting is generally agreed upon.
