Whether Putin to attend peace talks in Türkiye, Russian side reveals
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian dictator (Getty Images)
The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will not be present during the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Türkiye, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports, citing Dmitry Peskov, Spokesperson of the Russian President.
During a CNN broadcast, Peskov responded negatively when asked whether Putin would be present at the negotiations with Ukraine in Türkiye.
"No," the Russian spokesperson replied when asked if there was any chance that Putin would come to Istanbul.
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul
Recently, Putin proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine, starting on May 15 in Istanbul. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for a personal meeting.
On May 15, the President of Ukraine arrived in Türkiye. A meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled in the country’s capital, Ankara. After the talks in Ankara, Zelenskyy will remain on standby, awaiting Putin's arrival and, if necessary, is ready to travel to Istanbul should Putin actually appear.
For a long time, Moscow did not disclose who would be part of the Russian delegation expected to participate in the negotiations in Turkey. However, on May 14, the reports indicated that Putin would not attend the meeting personally. The Russian delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's aide, who was already involved in the negotiations in 2022.
To find out more about the planned negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on May 15 in Türkiye, read our material on the topic.
