Zelenskyj in Istanbul: Pressure on Putin for a ceasefire is growing!

Zelenskyj in Istanbul: Pressure on Putin for a ceasefire is growing!

Vladimir Medinsky, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, leads a Russian delegation to Turkey as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. Medinski was already involved in negotiations to end the conflict in 2022, but these remained without tangible results. The delegation also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galusin, General Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, as well as experts from various ministries. It is unclear how Ukraine will respond to Putin's absence, with unconfirmed reports circulating of a possible visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Istanbul.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also not travel to Istanbul. Zelensky, who originally focused on direct talks with Putin, has now shown himself to be open to alternative negotiation formats. Ukraine pushes for 30-day ceasefire; If this offer goes unheeded, there is a risk of new sanctions against Russia. Putin initiated the talks in Istanbul to respond to Zelensky's call for an unconditional ceasefire ORF reports that....

Zelensky's offensive and ceasefire offer

Zelensky has appeared tense in recent weeks after he made an offer for an immediate ceasefire that has been on the table for more than 60 days. This offer, which was drawn up in Saudi Arabia in March under US mediation, is intended to be valid for at least 30 days without any preconditions. The Ukrainian president also reports hundreds of Russian airstrikes in the last two months, despite Putin's ceasefire announcements. In his message, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is sticking to its promises, unlike Russia.

While the need for a diplomatic breakthrough is clear, the majority of people in Ukraine are convinced that without pressure from the US, Putin will be unwilling to reach an agreement. President Trump has blamed Ukraine for the ongoing conflict and is not clearly on their side. Nevertheless, he has announced that he will travel to Istanbul to support the negotiations, which could put pressure on the Kremlin chief Tagesschau reports that….

Criticism and political dynamics

There is now criticism of Zelensky's actions in Moscow, with accusations that he is turning the negotiations into a spectacle. Both sides accuse each other of having no real interest in peace talks. Putin is hesitant about whether he will personally travel to Istanbul and it is thought he may find a reason to send technocrats instead. This could be interpreted as a sign of disinterest in peace.

Zelensky, on the other hand, is going on the diplomatic offensive and offering personal negotiations with Putin to increase pressure on the Kremlin. Ukraine's top priority remains an unconditional ceasefire as a basis for further talks. However, if no progress is made, the threat of new sanctions against Russia remains an essential strategy for Ukraine and its partners Tagesschau reports that….