WJust a few hours to go to the beginning of what is slotted as The first direct peacekeeping talks between Russia and Ukraine in years – He’s talking about it Vladimir Putin He called for themselves – he was still not clear if the Russian president would actually appear.
Has been fired for weeks Ukraine‘S Proposal for 30-day unconditional Ceasefire, supported the USA and Europe, To enable both sides to start negotiations on how the largest war in Europe is completed World War II.
Instead, the Russian leader is challenged Volodymyr Zelensky Direct conversations in Istanbul “Without any prerequisites” on Thursday. If progressing, it would be the first meeting between the leader since December 2019. years.
After a short initial withdrawal – and several posts for social media by Donald Trump – The Ukrainian leader called Mosch’s bluffer confirming that he would really attend a person.
But until Wednesday afternoon, Putin was still “perhaps” for the meeting he had so loudly called. There was no clear information about whether he would attend the Moscow side, and spokesman teases that the full delegation would be revealed on Wednesday night.
In UkraineHigh officials said this was all proven that it was a posture and pantomime.
“I’m sure he’s going to play a trick. Someone will appear, but not Putin,” said one higher source. “It is not their intention: being open, transparent, direct and finish war.
“Putin is not strong in direct negotiations. It is strong in playing games. They will play the card.”
Zelensky intends to attend, even if it means that hosting empty chairs, in a powerful message world, says the source.
“It will show now, again will show in Europe, the Russians do not want to negotiate. A significant part of our strategy is to show our partners – Europe and through the ocean – that we are a very quiet player.
“You asked us to do more on the European field. Here we are: all the main European leaders, are fully compliant.
“Interruption does not happen but [Putin] Offers direct negotiations? We’re ready for it. “
Earlier this week, Trump invited Ukraine to attend conversations, writing on social media to be agreed to Turkey a “immediately” meeting.
All eyes remain trained on Istanbul to see if Putin will give Trump – and prove who wants peace more.
To be added to the already potentially crowded room, Trump, on his Gulf Gulf, He said on Wednesday, I was still thinking about whether he would attend talks in Turkey, but he did not know if Putin would leave.
“[Putin] I would like to be there, and that’s the possibility … I don’t know it would be there if I’m not there. We will find out, “said U.S. president to journalists on the road Air Force on the road to Qatar.
His envoy, Steve Witkoff, said he and State Secretary of Marco Rubio would travel to Turkey on Friday because of Russia– Comrade conversations.
Trump desperately wants two sides to sign up to 30-day recirccilic fire, to prove their skill by diplomacy in the Kliška list.
Zelensky supports a 30-day plan, but Putin said he wanted to start the conversations first, then hammers details of the truce. They could also discuss the great exchange of prisoners.
Last year since the warring parties met face to face, with negotiators from Ukraine and Russia The last meeting in Istanbul in March 2022, a month after Putin launched full invasion in Ukraine.
Unconfirmed Russian and American media reports said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov And Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy policy, will be in Istanbul and is ready to meet their Ukrainian counterparts. But so far, there is no news about the path.
Ukrainians know the contrast between Putin’s reluctance and image of Zellenic present and accurate, ready and waiting, the girl will shelter on Trump and the world.
As Ukrainian source said, “Real Learder says,” Listen, you offer a meeting on Thursday – I’ll be there. “Is there anything stronger that can be said?”
And so it remains to be seen whether this is another trigger move to play games or a true start some kind of conversation.