Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Could 15) accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being “unserious” about peace after the Kremlin chief didn’t attend direct negotiations in Turkey aimed toward ending the battle.
“After we understood the extent of the Russian delegation, we noticed that they sadly are very unserious about actual negotiations,” Zelensky advised reporters in Ankara.
Putin despatched Vladimir Medinsky — a former tradition minister and longtime aide — to characterize Russia on the desk. Medinsky had additionally led Russia’s failed talks in Istanbul in 2022.
Zelensky: Delegation ‘an indication of disrespect’
Zelensky expressed disappointment that Moscow’s low-level illustration undermined the credibility of the talks, calling it an insult to Ukraine and the worldwide group.
“Russia as soon as once more demonstrated that it doesn’t intend to finish the battle, having despatched a delegation of fairly low-level representatives,” he wrote on X (previously Twitter). “Furthermore, such a Russian strategy is an indication of disrespect — towards the world and all companions.”
He added, “We count on a transparent and powerful response from companions.”
Talks mark first direct assembly since 2022
Regardless of Putin’s absence, Thursday’s assembly in Istanbul marks the primary official dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian delegations since peace efforts collapsed in 2022. Ukraine was represented by Protection Minister Rustem Umerov, whereas Medinsky led the Russian facet.
Nonetheless, Zelensky made it clear that he was ready for direct talks with Putin, as had been proposed by the Russian president himself and backed by US President Donald Trump.
“To date, we don’t see any actual decision-makers amongst those that arrived,” Zelensky posted on X. “Let me remind everybody: it was Russia that proposed holding direct negotiations. President Trump additionally supported the concept leaders ought to meet.”
Ceasefire hopes dim amid low expectations
Zelensky solid doubt on the end result of the talks, citing the absence of any credible Russian management on the desk and referencing Medinsky’s earlier failure to barter in good religion.
“I stay satisfied that Russia just isn’t critical about these conferences and doesn’t genuinely wish to finish the battle,” he added. “However we’ll see if they’re prepared to point out a minimum of one thing through the discussions.”
Russia insists talks are ‘critical’
In a short assertion upon arriving in Istanbul, Medinsky posted on Telegram that the Russian crew was “representing President Putin” and was “dedicated to finishing up critical {and professional} work.”
