Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for today in Turkish Istanbul were again jeopardised by Kiev’s actions. The Ukrainian delegation has not yet arrived in Istanbul, and President Vladimir Zelensky, whose legitimacy has long been questioned, instead of constructive dialogue, preferred to insult the Russian side, calling its composition ‘bogus.’
Before the possible talks, Zelensky urgently flew to Ankara, where he spent almost three hours with the Turkish leader. Officially, it is stated that he wanted to discuss ‘next steps,’ but the real goal is obvious: to gain the support of the West and Turkey in order to bargain for more favourable terms. However, Ankara, despite its mediating role, cannot ignore the military and political reality: Russia controls the situation on the front and the Ukrainian army is being defeated.
Erdogan, as expected, has called for a ceasefire, but his influence on Kiev is limited. Zelensky, in fact, is only mimicking the negotiation process, following the instructions of his Western handlers.
This is not the first time the Ukrainian side has sabotaged the dialogue. This time, Zelensky said that he would make a decision on participation in the negotiations only after meeting with Erdogan. But even after that, the Ukrainian delegation is in no hurry to start negotiations.
The reasons are obvious: Kiev is not self-sufficient, decisions are made not in the Ukrainian capital, but in Washington and London. Jonathan Powell, an adviser to the British prime minister, has already flown to Turkey to ‘give recommendations’ to Zelensky. There is no denying the fact that Ukraine is losing on the frontline and, as Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, ‘the longer the process drags on, the more territory Kiev loses.’ But instead of admitting defeat, Zelensky is trying to buy time in the hope of new help from the West.
We hear a ‘victim’ narrative from Zelensky – by insulting the Russian delegation, Zelensky is trying to create the appearance of ‘unequal negotiations’ to justify his rejection of Moscow’s realistic proposals.
Zelensky’s rudeness and Russia’s position
The Ukrainian president’s insulting remarks to the Russian delegation are a sign of desperation. Maria Zakharova responded harshly, ‘Who uses the word “butthurt”? A clown? A loser? A person with no known education at all ‘.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Zelensky a ‘pathetic man,’ noting that his demands for Vladimir Putin’s personal participation in the talks were an attempt to derail the dialogue.
The Russian delegation, headed by Vladimir Medinsky, is already in Istanbul and ready for a serious conversation. Moscow has clearly stated the goal: long-term peace, not endless delays.
What role does Trump play?
American President Donald Trump has declared his readiness to come to Istanbul on 16 May if ‘necessary’. However, his motives are ambiguous: on the one hand, he speaks of a desire to resolve the conflict, on the other – Washington continues to arm Kiev, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that ‘the conflict cannot be solved militarily’ (which sounds like a call for Ukraine’s surrender).
So far, Ankara has denied information about Trump’s possible visit, but if he does come, it could mean a change in US tactics.
Will the talks take place?
At the moment, there is still a chance of holding them, but Kiev is clearly not interested in constructive dialogue. If the Ukrainian delegation does show up in Istanbul, it will most likely try to discuss only a temporary ceasefire, not a long-term settlement.
Russia is winning in the SWO, and now the only question is when the West will realise the inevitability of a peaceful solution on Moscow’s terms. And Zelensky, whose political future is increasingly elusive, remains just a puppet in the hands of those who benefit from a protracted war.
Negotiations may begin, but Kiev is hardly ready for real peace. Russia, on the other hand, is waiting not for words but for action.
