Zelensky calls Russian delegation in Turkey phony as Putin skips peace talks

ANKARA — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will first meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and only then consider any next steps regarding the talks between Ukraine and Russia later on Thursday, according to reports.

Upon his arrival in Ankara, Zelensky said Ukraine is represented in Turkey at the highest level, with the foreign ministry, the presidential office, the military, and the intelligence "to make any decisions that might lead to the expected and just peace."

But that is not the case for the Russian delegation, he said, describing it as "theatrical".

"We must understand what is the level of the Russian delegation, and what mandate do they have, whether they are capable of taking any decisions on their own."

"Because we all know who takes decisions in Russia," Zelensky said, pointing at Russian President Vladimir Putin, who refused to face Zelensky in person in Istanbul.

The Kremlin has ruled out Putin's trip to Turkey, revealing that the negotiations will instead be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. Medinsky also headed Moscow’s delegation in Istanbul in March 2022, at the first attempt at talks between the sides.

Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said earlier this week that Zelensky would not meet with lower-level Russian officials in Istanbul if Putin doesn’t come to Turkey, saying there would be no point in such negotiations.

During the meeting with Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey’s president is expected to call for an immediate ceasefire, echoing Kyiv’s position for the talks with Russia.

According to Erdogan’s head of communication, the Turkish leader will "advocate the early establishment of a ceasefire and the start of peace negotiations."

Ukraine’s president is expected to address the media after the meeting with Erdogan, before the talks between Ukraine and Russia begin and will clarify their format. — Euronews