Russian President Vladimir Putin’s snub of Thursday’s peace talks in Turkey shows how “unserious” the Kremlin is about ending its war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters in Ankara.
Instead of turning up himself, Putin sent his aide Vladimir Medinsky — his former culture minister who previously tried to negotiate Kyiv’s surrender in the early days of the war.
“After we understood the level of the Russian delegation, we saw that, they unfortunately are very unserious about real negotiations,” Zelensky said, adding that it was Putin who first called for the talks on Saturday.
Though Zelensky was ready to meet with Putin for direct talks, he will now send Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to represent Kyiv in the talks with Medinsky — which will mark the first time Ukraine and Russia have engaged in discussions since 2022.
“Russia once again demonstrated that it does not intend to end the war, having sent a delegation of rather low-level representatives,” Zelensky posted on X. “Moreover, such a Russian approach is a sign of disrespect — toward the world and all partners.”
“We expect a clear and strong response from partners.”
Ukraine wants to discuss implementing the US-proposed 30-day cease-fire during the talks, and Zelensky called on the US, Europe and the global south to further sanction Russia if they fail to agree to the long sought-after pause in the conflict.
Upon arriving in Istanbul Thursday, Medinsky in a post to Telegram said the Russian delegation is “representing” Putin.
“We are committed to carrying out serious and professional work,” he said.
However, it remains unclear what authorities Putin granted his representatives in Turkey — and whether Medinsky has any power to enter any agreements with Ukraine during the talks.
Zelensky doubted that the presidential aide could actually bring about a cease-fire, noting that the Russian delegation’s arrival without Putin “appears theatrical.”
“It is essential to understand the level of the Russian delegation, what mandate they hold, and whether they are authorized to make any decisions at all – because we all know who actually makes decisions in Russia,” he posted to X, referencing Putin.
