'This is a sham of the negotiation process': Ukrainian diplomat criticizes composition of Putin's delegation

In particular, Bezsmertnyi noted that according to protocol, Ukrainian representatives may not even need to sit at the table with this Russian delegation. Ukrainian diplomat emphasized that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin sent people who can hold consultations, not negotiations.

"From my point of view, one could give an even harsher assessment (of the Russian delegation - ed.) And it would be absolutely accurate. Because it indicates that people were sent who can talk about what? About the form of the meeting, its format, maybe a list of issues. But these are people who can't even draft the text of a document. So it's already clear that this is a kind of time-wasting tactic," the expert added.

At the same time, the Ukrainian diplomat agreed with the statement of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that this is a sham of a negotiation process and an evasion of answering key questions.

"This is, I agree, a sham of the negotiation process. And it's an evasion of answering the question. Because none of the individuals on the list are among those who not only don't make decisions but can’t even propose options," Bezsmertnyi explained.

The historian also noted that this can be compared to taking a tape recorder, recording what the Ukrainian delegation will say, and sending it to Moscow. And transmitting all of this through the ears of the Russian President's Aide Vladimir Medinsky and his company makes no sense.

Delegations are not equivalent

"It's simply a waste of time communicating with him. Especially when compared to the Ukrainian delegation, which includes the Head of the Security Service, the Chief of the General Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Well, all of this indicates that, from my point of view, according to diplomatic protocol, they shouldn't even be sitting across from each other, because from the protocol perspective, it's bad form," Bezsmertnyi explained.

Bezsmertnyi believes that the Russian delegation looks like "a metal object in the form of a tape recorder," while the Ukrainian side is represented by competent officials capable of discussing high-priority issues. Although they don't make military-political decisions, since that is the responsibility of the President and parliament, they are authorized to express positions and conduct dialogue. In contrast, the sham from the Russian side is clearly visible, which, in his opinion, is aimed at delaying the negotiation process.

Ukraine may choose not to sit at negotiating table

"So, from a protocol point of view, the Ukrainian side may choose not to sit at the table, regardless of who says what. How the Ukrainian side behaves - that's a decision for the head of state and the military-political leadership," the historian noted.

Bezsmertnyi emphasizes that in this case, it's also important to coordinate positions in advance with European and American partners in order to have a shared understanding of the situation. In his opinion, Ukraine demonstrates readiness for discussions and decisions, whereas the Russian delegation lacks the necessary competence to conduct full-fledged negotiations.

"Actually, from the standpoint of diplomatic protocol, the level represented by Russia can only ensure consultations, not negotiations. These are consultations about what to talk about, where to talk, who should be involved, and so on. And now it depends on how the Ukrainian side will act, because if you look at the President's decision to be present, and the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, it's clear evidence that Ukraine is ready for serious dialogue," he summarized.

Negotiations in Türkiye

After arriving in Türkiye, Zelenskyy called the Russian delegation that President Vladimir Putin sent instead of himself "a sham."

During the night of May 11, Putin rejected a joint proposal from Ukraine, the EU, and the US regarding a temporary ceasefire, and instead proposed to meet with the Ukrainian side in Türkiye.

Ukraine and its partners supported this proposal, and Zelenskyy announced that he was ready to personally meet with the Russian leader in Türkiye.

However, as expected, Putin ignored the meeting with Zelenskyy and instead sent low-level officials to Istanbul. For context, the delegation wasn't even led by the Russian Foreign Minister, but by Putin's Aide Vladimir Medinsky, who was involved in negotiations back in 2022.

In contrast, Ukraine is represented at the highest level in the negotiations in Türkiye. The delegation includes representatives of the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military, and intelligence officers.