After five days of uncertainty regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative for direct talks with Ukraine, the anticipated day for discussions arrived, bringing with it a sense of chaos rather than clarity. The scene unfolded dramatically on the banks of the Bosphorus, where a seven-hour stakeout culminated in a disorganized media scrum at the Russian consulate. Ultimately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a decision that could potentially pave the way for a new chapter in this enduring conflict.
The atmosphere in Istanbul on Thursday was charged as global media flocked to the Dolmabahçe Palace. However, Ukraine had yet to confirm its participation in the talks or provide any details regarding its delegation. A source from the Turkish foreign ministry informed CNN that there was “no scheduled meeting yet.” In a surprising twist, the Kremlin announced that Putin would not be attending, prompting President Zelensky to engage in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara instead.
“Waiting is better than knowing the result,” remarked Stanislav Ivashchenko, a correspondent from the Russian defense ministry channel Zvezda, amidst the bustling crowd of journalists. Reflecting on the prolonged conflict, he stated, “Everyone is tired of this, but we will defend our position.” This unwavering stance is a significant factor behind Putin’s unexpected proposal for negotiations five days prior.
Faced with an ultimatum from Kyiv and its allies to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face severe new sanctions, Putin chose an alternative path. In a briefing on Sunday, he stated, “We are proposing to the Kyiv authorities to renew the negotiations that they cut off in 2022.” His choice of Istanbul as the venue—where initial peace talks took place—was deliberate, as was his decision to appoint Vladimir Medinsky, a former culture minister, as the lead negotiator.
Medinsky addressed the media briefly at the Russian consulate, asserting that the delegation was committed to a constructive approach. However, the intensity of the media presence led consular officials to threaten to cancel the briefing if order was not restored. He emphasized that the direct talks aimed to “establish long-term peace, eliminating the root causes of the conflict.” Yet, the mention of “root causes” underlined the complexities at play, as Russia's concerns range from Ukraine’s NATO aspirations to its very status as a sovereign nation.
The dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are further complicated by the political landscape in the United States. President Donald Trump has reignited speculation about his potential involvement in the talks, suggesting that he would consider attending if circumstances allowed. Meanwhile, White House envoys Keith Kellogg and Steve Witkoff are already set to be in Istanbul on Friday.
Zelensky acknowledged Trump’s influence on his decision to engage with Russia. Following his meeting with Erdogan, he announced that Ukraine would indeed send a delegation to Istanbul, led by a senior official, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in a gesture of respect towards Trump.
Russia is closely monitoring the U.S. political landscape, hoping for a favorable shift in relations. Trump’s recent comments in Abu Dhabi, stating, “nothing’s gonna happen until Putin and I get together,” have further fueled these hopes. Former Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev, who resigned in 2022, believes that a meeting between Trump and Putin would be a significant victory for the Russian leader, while he remains disinterested in engaging with Zelensky.
“Two great powers should sit together and discuss how inferior countries should live under their umbrella,” Bondarev explained in an interview with CNN from Switzerland, highlighting the disparity in perspectives that complicates the ongoing conflict.
