'It looks more like a sham': Zelenskyy on level of Russia's delegation for Türkiye talks
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The level of the Russian delegation that will take part in the negotiations with Ukraine looks like a sham, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters as he arrived in Ankara and added that everyone knows who really makes decisions in Russia.
As Zelenskyy confirmed, today he will meet with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kyiv is also in contact with the American side, which is also likely to arrive in Türkiye at a high level.
As for the Russian side, according to the President of Ukraine, he does not yet know the level of the delegation.
“From what we can see, it looks more like a sham (level - ed.). We will think about what we will do and what our next steps will be after talking to President Erdoğan. I think we will have a few hours for an important conversation and very important decisions. We need to understand the level of the Russian delegation and what their mandate is, whether they are capable of making decisions on their own. Because we all know who makes decisions in Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye
Today, May 15, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia are to take place in Türkiye. According to media reports, citing Ukrainian officials, the parties will discuss how to implement and monitor the 30-day ceasefire.
According to available information, the Russian side will be represented at the talks:
- Vladimir Medinsky - Putin's aide (head of the delegation);
- Mikhail Galuzin - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia;
- Igor Kostyukov - Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces;
- Alexander Fomin - Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russia.
Read more about the planned talks between Ukraine and Russia in RBC-Ukraine's coverage.
