Talks to End the Russia-Ukraine War Will Be Held in Turkey Today. Putin Names Russian Representatives, Led by Kremlin Aide Vladimir Medinsky.
Russia-Ukraine War: Crucial peace talks aimed at ending the three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war are scheduled for today in Turkey. The world watches intently, as this meeting holds the potential for a ceasefire. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has distanced himself from the talks, and the Russian delegation will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky.
Putin Announces the Names of Russia's Delegation
Russian President Putin has announced the names of the officials participating in today's talks in Turkey. The delegation includes Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and Chief of the General Staff Igor Kostyukov. These officials will discuss the technical and political aspects of the war.
Furthermore, a group of experts will also participate, including Alexander Zorin, First Deputy Head of the Information Department of the General Staff; Yelena Podobreyevskaya, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate; and Viktor Shevtsov, Deputy Head of the Directorate for International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense.
Talks to Begin in Istanbul
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has confirmed that talks between Russia and Ukraine will resume today in Istanbul. The meeting will address both technical and political issues.
Putin formally invited Ukraine to unconditional negotiations on May 11th. This move is considered significant in efforts to end the war.
Ukraine's Conditions and Desire for a Face-to-Face Meeting with Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted on Putin's participation in the talks. He has stated that he will only participate if Putin himself is present and will not meet with any other Russian representative. Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about Russia's commitment to peace and described Moscow's recent actions as untrustworthy.
His advisor Mykhailo Podolyak has also stated that Ukraine will not participate unless Putin is present. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has also expressed a desire to participate in the peace talks, but it remains unclear whether any top Russian officials will attend.
