Zelensky Criticizes Russian Absence from Peace Talks in Turkey
Ukrainian President claims Russia's lack of representation signifies disrespect towards Ukraine, Turkey, and the United States.
In Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the absence of a 'suitably high-level' Russian negotiating team in Turkey exemplifies a lack of respect not only for Ukraine but also for Turkey and the United States.
During a press conference, Zelensky remarked, 'I believe that the USA and Turkey feel disregarded by Russia.
There is no time for meetings, no agenda for discussions, and no high-level delegations.
This is a personal affront...
A disrespect to President Erdogan and President Trump.' Zelensky noted that President Joe Biden had dispatched a significant delegation to Turkey, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He emphasized the question of the warring parties, stating, 'Who are the sides in the war?
Russia and Ukraine.
Secretary Rubio is there, the Turkish foreign minister is present, and the Ukrainian foreign minister is also there.
Where is the relevant person from the Russian Federation?
This is a sign of disrespect not only towards Ukraine but towards everyone.
Most importantly, I believe, towards Turkey as the host of the meeting.' He underscored the importance of consistency and constructiveness for Ukraine at this time.
'Even now, despite the delegation levels, we deliberately send our delegation at the level of Ukraine's defense minister to ensure that no one later claims that anything there depended on Ukraine, especially regarding the suspension of certain negotiations,' said the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky also conveyed that Ukraine anticipates sanctions if Russia does not progress toward concluding the war.
'Even now, no one is talking about the end of the war; everyone is discussing a ceasefire.
Because everyone is concerned that this is such a difficult path with these people...
I believe that the leader of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, should show his leadership, and if he is ready for negotiations, we should meet.
Unconditionally, as he wished,' Zelensky remarked.
He highlighted that the Ukrainian delegation is currently in Ankara and will subsequently travel to Istanbul.
'There is no Russian delegation, nor is there a Russian president,' Zelensky stated.
On May 10, Ukraine, along with allies France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland, proposed a 30-day ceasefire to Russia without conditions, with intentions to intensify sanctions against Russia should this offer be declined.
Subsequently, President Putin suggested that direct negotiations with Ukraine take place 'where they were interrupted' in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022. Zelensky expressed expectations for a ceasefire from Russia starting Monday and indicated he would personally await Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15. The Russian delegation in Istanbul is led by assistant to the president Vladimir Medinsky, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.
During a press conference, Zelensky remarked, 'I believe that the USA and Turkey feel disregarded by Russia.
There is no time for meetings, no agenda for discussions, and no high-level delegations.
This is a personal affront...
A disrespect to President Erdogan and President Trump.' Zelensky noted that President Joe Biden had dispatched a significant delegation to Turkey, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He emphasized the question of the warring parties, stating, 'Who are the sides in the war?
Russia and Ukraine.
Secretary Rubio is there, the Turkish foreign minister is present, and the Ukrainian foreign minister is also there.
Where is the relevant person from the Russian Federation?
This is a sign of disrespect not only towards Ukraine but towards everyone.
Most importantly, I believe, towards Turkey as the host of the meeting.' He underscored the importance of consistency and constructiveness for Ukraine at this time.
'Even now, despite the delegation levels, we deliberately send our delegation at the level of Ukraine's defense minister to ensure that no one later claims that anything there depended on Ukraine, especially regarding the suspension of certain negotiations,' said the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky also conveyed that Ukraine anticipates sanctions if Russia does not progress toward concluding the war.
'Even now, no one is talking about the end of the war; everyone is discussing a ceasefire.
Because everyone is concerned that this is such a difficult path with these people...
I believe that the leader of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, should show his leadership, and if he is ready for negotiations, we should meet.
Unconditionally, as he wished,' Zelensky remarked.
He highlighted that the Ukrainian delegation is currently in Ankara and will subsequently travel to Istanbul.
'There is no Russian delegation, nor is there a Russian president,' Zelensky stated.
On May 10, Ukraine, along with allies France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland, proposed a 30-day ceasefire to Russia without conditions, with intentions to intensify sanctions against Russia should this offer be declined.
Subsequently, President Putin suggested that direct negotiations with Ukraine take place 'where they were interrupted' in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022. Zelensky expressed expectations for a ceasefire from Russia starting Monday and indicated he would personally await Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15. The Russian delegation in Istanbul is led by assistant to the president Vladimir Medinsky, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.
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