Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far refused to accept an invitation to the peace talks, supposedly due to security considerations. These negotiations, intended to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are scheduled for Istanbul on Thursday. He also stated that Russia wants to strengthen the rules in the Arctic, not increasing tension. This cohort features presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin, intelligence director Igor Kostyukov, and deputy foreign minister Mikhail Galuzin.
Putin’s lack of willingness to engage personally means these talks will not be at the presidential level. The result, according to some observers, is a serious question about how strong the negotiations could possibly be. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a surprise guest last year, lamented Putin’s lack of participation. He implied that this was a sign of the Russian leader’s refusal to pursue any sort of peaceful end to the war. Zelenskyy had even previously promised to return the favor with his own attendance if Putin decided to participate.
This image taken from video shows the aftermath of the Feb. 28 Russian missile strike, killing three people at an industrial complex in the area of Sumy, northeastern Ukraine. This tragedy only exacerbates the beleaguering tensions within this region. This escalation triggered a strong response from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, calling out Putin’s rejection of a suggested 30-day ceasefire. Lammy made it clear that he would ensure Britain’s allies were regularly updated on steps to “force Vladimir Putin’s hand” over pursuing peace.
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, weighed in on the situation, warning against what he termed “militarily created facts against Ukraine’s will.” He emphasized the need to prevent any compromise peace that would allow for a “dictated peace” imposed by Moscow. Merz stressed that it is essential for the political West to remain united in its approach toward Putin and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Thursday. The meeting aims to discuss strategies for addressing the ongoing conflict and fostering dialogue between Ukraine and Russia.
Perhaps most telling is the absence from the Russian delegation of heavyweights such as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. Their absence casts doubt on Russia’s intentions to engage in good faith negotiations. Yet critics have maintained that what we are seeing from Putin—in actions and in rhetoric—points to an inclination towards military solutions rather than diplomatic ones.