Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed plans for renewed peace talks in Istanbul this week, marking a critical moment in the two-year conflict. While Ukraine’s delegation will attend, Zelenskyy himself won’t be at the table—raising questions about the talks’ potential impact. 🌍
Speaking after meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to diplomacy but cast doubt on Russia’s sincerity. “We don’t see decision-makers in [Russia’s] delegation,” he told reporters, signaling a cautious approach.
The Ukrainian team will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, supported by military and intelligence experts. Zelenskyy stressed that Washington and Moscow must finalize the talks’ agenda, with Kyiv’s top demand being an unconditional ceasefire. “If leaders discuss stopping the war, I’m ready,” he said.
With global attention locked on Istanbul, the stakes are high. Will this round of talks break the deadlock—or become another chapter in a prolonged standoff? 💬
