Here's the Fresh Perspective on the Latest in the Ukraine-Russia Saga 🌐
Negotiations in Istanbul exclude the participation of both Zelensky and Putin
Looks like Vladimir Putin's no-show in Istanbul has made a splash, and Volodymyr Zelensky ain't their for a chat either now. A Ukrainian delegation is set to jet off to Turkey for a possible ceasefire powwow, according to an official from the Ukrainian government who chatted with AFP.
The summit's gonna go down in the afternoon, with Defense Minister Rustem Ummerow leading the Ukrainian troops in negotiations. Zelensky shared the deets after wrapping up talks with Turkish Prez, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara.
Still Open for Negotiations with Putin 🤝
Zelensky's willing to huddle with Putin, though – he's all about direct discussions. "I'm here, we're ready for face-to-face talks," he declared after the chat with Erdogan. But, there's been some beef over the composition of the Russian delegation, according to Zelensky. He's grumbling that they ain't taking the talks seriously enough.
John Healey, the British Defense Secretary, believes more sanctions will pressure Putin into the negotiating chair. "We gotta act, gotta pile on the pressure on Putin to bring him to the table," Healey said at a joint presser with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin. "All eyes are on Istanbul today," he added, throwing some spotlight on the upcoming gabfest.
Trump: No Progress without Me 😄
Putin skipped the opportunity to link up with Zelensky in Turkey, much to the Ukrainian government's dismay. Trump weighed in on the situation, claiming there'd be no progress without a meeting between him and Putin. "I ain't gonna see nothin' happen until Putin and I sit down," Trump said on Air Force One before touching down in Dubai, potentially dampening any diplomatic progress in Turkey. He ain't wrong; diplomacy's often better with a personal touch.
Lavrov: Ukraine Shrinks without an Agreement 🤔
While Russia stressed their delegation was ready to dive into some serious work in Turkey, they didn't mince words about Ukraine. They accused the Ukrainians of staging a circus around the talks. When asked about a potential Putin appearance later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said, "We'll see what participation is required, and at what level, it's too soon to tell..."
Meanwhile, Russia announced they'd scooped up two more settlements in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. A spokesperson for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reminded reporters of Lavrov's earlier words: "Without an agreement to put a stop to the fighting, Ukraine will keep shrinkin'."
Confusion in Istanbul 🤷♂️
About 200 reporters were gathered near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, where the negotiations were planned to happen. The USA and the European Union have threatened Russia with more painful sanctions if talks doesn't pan out. The Europeans are also keen on beefing up military aid to Ukraine.
Trump's Potential Attendance 🤔
The warring parties have spent months sorting out the details of ceasefires and peace talks, hoping to demonstrate their eagerness to end what Trump calls "this stupid war" to him. Trump, who ain't shy about blasting Zelensky, last had a hissy fit about Putin. On Thursday, he hinted he'd show up in Turkey on Friday if it was "appropriate."
The Russian delegation in Istanbul's headed by President's aide Vladimir Medinsky, a history book reviser who oversees Moscow's take on the war. His posse include a deputy defense minister, a deputy foreign minister, and the chief of military intelligence. Key players, including Medinsky, were involved in the 2022 talks, suggesting Moscow's aiming to pick things up where they left off.
Russia's Control and Ukraine's Ambitions 🕰️
Russia currently holds almost a fifth of Ukraine. Putin's insisting the Kyiv government cede these territories, give up dreams of joining NATO, and remain neutral. Ukraine ain't about surrender – they're seekin' security guarantees, primarily from the USA. Zelensky's pushing for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, while Putin wants to chat first in order to discuss ceasefire specifics.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reckons Zelensky's shown good faith by showing up in Turkey. But there's a vacant chair where Putin should be sitttin'. "Putin's holdin' back, and clearly ain't keen on hoppin' into these peace talks, even as President Trump touted his eagerness to facilitate 'em," said Barrot.
Stay tuned for further updates on this rollercoaster ride! 🎉🎢
The general news circuit is abuzz with updates on the politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, as Zelensky remains open for direct discussions with Putin despite beef over the composition of the Russian delegation. John Healey, the British Defense Secretary, advocates for more sanctions to pressure Putin into negotiations, emphasizing the need for diplomacy's personal touch.
