Putin No-Show at Turkey Talks, Zelenskyy Calls Russian Delegation ‘Theatrical’
Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the anticipated peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described the Russian delegation as “theatrical”. Zelenskyy is set to discuss the situation further with Turkish President Erdogan. Donald Trump has expressed frustration at the stalled negotiations, urging both leaders to meet to clarify their positions amid increasing casualties from the ongoing conflict.
In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the scheduled peace talks in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting was supposed to provide a platform for direct negotiation after Putin suggested such discussions during a televised address over the weekend. Zelenskyy had agreed to meet following European nations’ insistence that Putin should initiate an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face significant sanctions.
Zelenskyy characterized the Russian delegation as “theatrical”. He indicated that Ukraine’s response would hinge on discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On social media platform X, he remarked, “We will have several hours for an important discussion and very important decisions,” stressing the necessity to ascertain the authority of the Russian representatives.
Former President Donald Trump, who encouraged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s offer, expressed his dissatisfaction over the ongoing delay of negotiations. On Truth Social, he wrote that Putin prefers to delay a ceasefire, advocating for the peace talks in Turkey instead. “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump urged, suggesting that such a meeting would clarify the feasibility of a deal and inform European leaders and the United States about the situation.
Furthermore, Trump remarked on the improbability of a deal without his involvement, adding, “I don’t believe anything’s going to happen whether you like it or not, until (Putin) and I get together.” He emphasized the urgent need for resolution as the conflict continues to inflict casualties on both sides.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin has no plans for a trip to Istanbul, or a meeting with Trump in the immediate future. Meanwhile, reports indicate that after months of fruitless negotiations, the Trump administration may reconsider its peace efforts if substantial progress is not achieved soon.
As the conflict escalates, the toll has been staggering: tens of thousands of soldiers have lost their lives along with over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians, per U.N. reports. Analysts suggest that Russian forces might be on the verge of launching a fresh offensive as tensions persist along the vast front lines stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers.
The absence of President Putin at the peace talks in Turkey signals ongoing complexities in Ukraine-Russia negotiations. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s remarks about the Russian delegation reflect skepticism about their authority to negotiate effectively. With Trump urging immediate action, the situation remains critical as escalating violence raises humanitarian concerns, leaving many to wonder what the next steps will be.
Original Source: abc7amarillo.com
