What should Ukraine do if Putin does not come to Istanbul: Ukrainian expert opinion
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Ukraine must be prepared for the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the meeting in Istanbul. However, it is important for Kyiv not to make concessions and to continue insisting on a presidential-level meeting in order to maintain the initiative, states political analyst Maksym Nesvitailov in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
"In my opinion, (Putin’s visit to Istanbul - ed.) seems less likely than a visit by Trump (the US President – ed.), because so far, the statements from the Russians have been very vague. Peskov said that the Kremlin would announce the representatives of the Russian Federation once Putin 'deems it necessary.' Just to note, today is already the 13th. So, when will they announce it? And what level of representation are they talking about?" the political analyst stated.
Meeting only at the presidential level
In his opinion, the Kremlin will want to announce at the last moment that they are sending someone, framing it as a "technical matter." Russia may claim that a personal meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will only take place once a ceasefire decision is made.
"But of course, we must not agree to that step — to lower the level. Because, once again, we seized the initiative when we issued that ultimatum, and then the Russians tried to outmaneuver it by proposing direct negotiations right away. At first, we said there must be a ceasefire, but okay — if that's the case, we raise the stakes: the meeting must take place only at the presidential level," Nesvitailov added.
Complex communication strategy
The political analyst believes that Ukraine must not agree to negotiations involving technical groups, as this would signal that Russia has regained the initiative — a position that is unacceptable for Kyiv. And if the Kremlin decides to send only advisers, complications could arise.
"We need to come up with a solid communication strategy. Look, we simply need to run parallel tracks: if Putin says no, we must be ready. Zelenskyy should arrive in Istanbul, walk into a room and, figuratively speaking, say: 'Putin was supposed to be here. He’s not. Here’s the empty seat. I’m here, and you didn’t show up — you’re sending some other people. I know you’re the only one who makes the decisions,’" the expert suggested.
However, he is convinced that Ukraine must go to Türkiye either way — whether Putin is there or not — but, of course, without meeting with any other representatives.
Zelenskyy–Putin meeting
Putin himself proposed holding negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on May 15 in Istanbul, suggesting that they begin from where talks left off in 2022.
However, as of now, the Russian President has not agreed to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Türkiye. Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are being planned, but it remains unclear at what level they will take place.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a press conference today that Ukraine has so far only considered a meeting with Putin. Other formats of contact with Russia in Türkiye have not been discussed.
