Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul for talks
Photo: Maria Zakharova (Getty Images)
The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul for negotiations. Vladimir Medinsky will be part of the delegation, the Russian news agency TASS reports, citing Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
"As has been repeatedly stated, the Russian side is committed to serious negotiations. The Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul and is ready for serious work," Zakharova said.
Putin's refusal
It remains unclear how Ukraine will respond, as it has not yet publicly promised to send anyone to the negotiations in Istanbul or to appoint a delegation.
Vladimir Putin refused to attend negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US leader Donald Trump in Türkiye.
The Kremlin announced that the delegation would include the Aide of the Russian President Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, but Putin's name was not on the list.
This raised doubts about the prospects for any concrete steps toward ending the war at this week's meetings.
"Obviously, Russia is sending only a lower-level delegation to Türkiye for these peace talks," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters.
In Qatar, the US President was asked about Putin's absence from today’s peace talks in Türkiye. In response, Trump said: "Why would he go if I'm not going? I didn't think it was possible for Putin to go if I'm not there."
