Ukraine ready to send delegation to Istanbul to test Russia's serious intent – Reuters
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is considering sending a delegation for talks with Russia in Istanbul, but only if Moscow is ready for a serious discussion, Reuters reports.
According to Ukrainian diplomatic sources cited by the publication, Ukraine is considering sending its delegation for negotiations with Russia in Istanbul. Kyiv wants to find out what exactly the Russian side will say.
Additionally, according to well-informed senior officials, Ukraine seeks to determine whether the Russian delegation will have the authority to make any decisions aimed at resolving the war.
Only ready for a "serious conversation"
Reuters sources note that the Ukrainian delegation will take part in the negotiations in Istanbul only if the Russian side is genuinely prepared for a "serious conversation."
If the Russian delegation fails to demonstrate a serious approach to the talks, it will expose the true intentions of the aggressor state.
"We will have the right to conclude that this is a Russian charade, not meaningful work for peace," the media quotes an unnamed Ukrainian diplomat as saying.
Istanbul talks
Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on May 15 in Istanbul — specifically, to resume from the point where talks ended in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to come to Türkiye, stating that he would personally wait for Putin.
Today, Zelenskyy arrived in Ankara to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
However, Zelenskyy also said he would be waiting for the Russian President. He noted that he is ready to travel to Istanbul if Putin shows up there.
But Vladimir Putin did not come to the talks with Zelenskyy. Instead, he sent a low-level delegation of officials to Istanbul.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that he is only willing to speak directly with Putin. Nevertheless, today in Ankara he announced that Ukraine would be represented at the talks at the highest level. Military officials and intelligence representatives have arrived in Türkiye.
Sources cited by the Wall Street Journal reported that the Ukrainian delegation may discuss a possible ceasefire with Russian representatives. However, the meeting has not yet been officially confirmed.
