Russia's delegation for discussions with Ukraine in Turkey does not include Putin, and Trump will also not be in attendance.
Ceasefire Talks in Istanbul: Who's Who and What's the Deal?
Ukraine and Russia are gearing up for ceasefire talks in Istanbul, but the Russian delegation seems to lack a few heavyweights. Here's the lowdown on the people involved.
The Main Players
- Vladimir Medinsky: Notably, he's the head of Russia's delegation and a presidential aide to Vladimir Putin. This makes him a key player in Russia's diplomatic endeavors. Medinsky previously led peace talks with Ukraine after the full-scale invasion, giving him significant negotiating experience[2][4].
- Mikhail Galuzin: As Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, he's part of the team. His presence underscores Russia's commitment to using diplomatic channels to handle the conflict[3][4].
- Igor Kostyukov: He's the Chief of the Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff, which means he brings military know-how to the table. His involvement indicates the military aspects of the conflict and the potential for military-related agreements[3][4].
- Alexander Fomin: As Russia's Deputy Defense Minister, his inclusion underlines the importance of military perspectives in any potential ceasefire agreement[2][4].
Though Putin's name is absent from the list, it doesn't necessarily mean he won't show up. Rumors are swirling that the talks might spill over into a second day. For now, we'll have to wait and see[1].
Putin's Unpredictability
Vladimir Putin loves to play the unpredictable card, keeping everyone guessing and owning the agenda. His delegation is a mix of relatively junior officials, which could be seen as an attempt to humiliate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Putin isn't one to back down from ultimatums or external demands[1].
Keeping an Eye on the Situation
In the wake of threats from the so-called "coalition of the willing" countries, Russia has called for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. On Tuesday, the Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia is seeking to drag out negotiations to extract additional concessions while making further battlefield advances[4]. It's a tense situation, to say the least.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing drama. The world is watching, and so are we. Let's hope for a peaceful resolution that benefits both Ukraine and Russia.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61831451[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-leaves-holding-plane-istanbul-after- talks-with-erdogan-sources-2022-12-01/[3] https://tass.com/world/1607900[4] https://www.iswresearch.org/2022/11/russian-withdrawal-from-kherson-an-attempt-to-extend-negotiations-and-regroup-forces
- Despite the lack of Vladimir Putin's presence, speculations suggest that the ceasefire talks in Istanbul might proceed into a second day, indicating the unpredictable nature of war-and-conflicts politics.
- As the world keenly watches, the ongoing ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, influenced by sanctions and general-news, spotlight the unexpected moves and tactics of both delegations, demonstrating a continuation of war-and-conflicts and politics.
