Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenky on Thursday (May 15) accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being “disadvantageous” about the peace after the Kremlin’s leader could not participate in direct negotiations in Turkey aimed at the end of the war.
“After we understood the level of the Russian delegation, we saw that unfortunately they do not like real negotiations,” he told journalists in Ankara.
Putin sent Vladimir Medinsky – a former Minister of Culture and a long -time helper – to represent Russia at the table. Medinsky also led Russian unsuccessful conversations in Istanbul in 2022.
Green: Delegation “sign of disrespect”
Zelena expressed disappointment that the representation at a low level in Moscow undermined the credibility of the interviews and described it as an insult to Ukraine and the international community.
“Russia has again shown that it does not intend to end the war after sending a delegation of relatively low -level representatives,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Moreover, such a Russian approach is a sign of disrespect – to the world and all partners.”
He added, “We expect a clear and strong reaction of partners.”
Interviews indicate the first direct meeting since 2022
Despite Putin’s absence, Thursday’s meeting in Istanbul means the first official dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian delegations, as peaceful efforts collapsed in 2022. Ukraine was represented by Minister of Defense Rust Umerov, while Medinsky led the Russian side.
Yet he clarified that he was prepared for direct conversations with Putin, as the Russian President himself designed and supported by US President Donald Trump.
“We do not see any real creators of the decision among those who arrived,” he published Zelena on X. “Let me remind me: it was Russia that proposed direct negotiations. President Trump also supported the idea that the leaders should meet.”
The ceasefire hopes that in the middle of low expectations
She doubted the outcome of the interviews, quoted the absence of a credible Russian leadership at the table, and referred to Medinsky’s inability to negotiate in good faith.
“I believe that Russia is not serious about these meetings and does not want to end the war,” he added. “But we’ll see if they are willing to show at least something during the discussions.”
Russia insists that conversations are “serious”
In a short statement of arrival in Istanbul, Medinsky published a telegram that the Russian team “represented President Putin” and “determined to do serious and professional work”.
(Tagstotranslate) Volodymyr Zelensky
