Zelensky Seeks to Reinforce Peace Negotiations with Russia During Turkey Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is embarking on a diplomatic mission in Turkey, aiming to revive the stalled peace negotiations and prisoner-of-war exchanges with Russia. The meeting, which has reportedly been set up with US envoy Steve Witkoff, will not include any Russian representatives, according to Moscow.
Background and Context
Zelensky's trip to Turkey follows his visits to Paris and Spain, where he signed a weaponry purchase deal and held discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe respectively. The Ukrainian president has been spearheading efforts to reestablish dialogue with Russia, an initiative that has been on hold for several months.
Key Developments
During his visit to Turkey, Zelensky is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discuss ways to ensure a just peace for Ukraine. We are preparing to reinvigorate negotiations, and we have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners,
Zelensky stated, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The Ukrainian president is also due to meet with the US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Ukrinform. However, Deutsche Welle noted that there are contradictory reports about Witkoff's presence at the meeting.
The New York Times reported that Zelensky has new proposals to kick-start the negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, TASS quoted expert Dmitry Suslov stating that the US may attempt to exert pressure on Zelensky during the talks in Turkey.
Reactions and Implications
Al Jazeera English reports that the meeting between Zelensky and Witkoff has been set up, despite Moscow's announcement that no Russian representatives will attend. The Kremlin, as per BBC News, confirmed that there were no plans for the Russian side to join the talks.
According to TASS, the subject of a ceasefire and revival of talks between Russia and Ukraine, including in Istanbul, and a possible summit will be discussed during Zelensky's talks with Erdogan.
Turkey's top diplomat, Hakan Fidan, emphasized Turkey's commitment to the Montreux Convention and its continued efforts towards settling the Ukrainian conflict, as reported by TASS.
Current Status
Zelensky has now arrived in Turkey, as confirmed by both TASS and ANSA. The Ukrainian president's visit comes amid increasing tensions in the region, as Deutsche Welle reported that Kyiv had struck targets inside Russia with US-supplied ATACMS missiles.
In summary, Zelensky's visit to Turkey is part of Ukraine's continued push for peace talks with Russia, a diplomatic effort that also involves the United States and Turkey. Despite the absence of Russian representatives, the talks are expected to focus on potential solutions for the conflict, including a possible ceasefire.