Vladimir Putin himself was the author of the proposal to hold direct negotiations with Ukraine. Today, the negotiations are indeed starting in Turkey, but the Kremlin chief will not be present at them. American resident Trump will also not be in Turkey.
Until recently, Moscow left the question of who from the Russian side would take part in the negotiations open, ARD recalls. Yesterday before noon, Kremlin spokesman Peskov emphasized that the decision would be announced after Putin gave the relevant orders. On Wednesday evening (14.5.) the Kremlin finally published a list of the names of the participants in the delegation – and disappointed hopes for talks at the highest level.
Who is Vladimir Medinsky
Not only Putin, but also Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the delegation is led by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky - the former minister of culture is considered a politician without real weight and influence. He is the subject of international criticism for spreading Kremlin propaganda.
For example, it is known that 54-year-old Medinsky shares in history textbooks theses about Ukrainian and Russian history that are disputed by experts. Scholars and critics of the Kremlin even accuse him of deliberate manipulation and distortion of historical truths, writes ARD.
This is not the first time that Medinsky has negotiated on behalf of Russia. He was at the head of the delegation that was supposed to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine in 2022. They also took place in Turkey, but ended without any result.
In addition to Medinsky, Moscow is sending to Turkey its Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, as well as Igor Kostyukov - the head of the Russian military intelligence GRU. The Russian delegation, which also includes experts from various ministries, arrived in Istanbul this morning. The start of the negotiations is announced for 10 a.m. Bulgarian time.
With this composition of its delegation, the Kremlin remains far below the direct participation of Putin in the negotiations requested by Ukrainian President Zelensky. “This is Putin's war“, that's why I'm expecting the Kremlin chief in Turkey personally“, Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized.
Ukraine is ready for negotiations in any format
It remains unclear whether Vladimir Putin's absence will affect Ukraine's participation in the negotiations and what it will be. In any case, President Zelensky has already softened his request for negotiations at the highest level. “Ukraine is ready for negotiations in any format and is not afraid of such a meeting“, Zelensky emphasized in a video address.
And another request by Ukraine remains unfulfilled - that there be a ceasefire before the start of the negotiations in Turkey. European leaders Merz, Macron, Starmer and Tusk had set an ultimatum that if a 30-day ceasefire is not concluded, there will be new sanctions against Russia from Monday. The US approves the Europeans' request.