Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Thursday that Kyiv will send a delegation to participate in peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, signaling a cautious step toward resolving the prolonged conflict. However, Zelenskyy himself will not attend the negotiations, raising questions about the immediate prospects of a breakthrough.
Speaking after discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to dialogue while expressing skepticism about Moscow’s willingness to engage meaningfully. "We don’t see any decision-makers in the Russian delegation," he told reporters, underscoring concerns that the talks might lack actionable authority.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, will include military and intelligence experts. Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv is awaiting final confirmation from both Moscow and Washington regarding the talks’ schedule. While urging pragmatism, he reiterated openness to leader-level discussions if they focus on an unconditional ceasefire.
Turkey’s role as mediator highlights Istanbul’s strategic importance in facilitating high-stakes diplomacy. The talks come amid shifting battlefield dynamics and international pressure to de-escalate a conflict with global economic and security ramifications.
