Selenskyj in Istanbul: Printing Putin for ceasefire is growing!

Selenskyj in Istanbul: Printing Putin for ceasefire is growing!

Wladimir Medinski, advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, leads a Russian delegation to Turkey, while the tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to remain high. Medinski was already involved in negotiations in the end of the conflict in 2022, but they remained without tangible results. The delegation also includes Vice Foreign Minister Mikhail Galusin, General Igor Kostjukow and the deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin and experts from various ministries. It is unclear how Ukraine reacts to Putin's lack of Putin, with unconfirmed reports on a possible visit by President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in Istanbul.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrow will also not travel to Istanbul. Selenskyj, originally focused on direct conversations with Putin, has now been open to alternative negotiation formats. Ukraine urges a 30-day ceasefire; If this offer is unnoticed, new sanctions face Russia. Putin had initiated the talks in Istanbul in order to react to Selenskyj's demand for an unconditional ceasefire ORF reports that ... .

Selenskyjs offensive and ceasefire offer

Selenskyj has been tense in the past few weeks after making an offer for an immediate ceasefire that has been on the table for over 60 days. This offer, which was worked out in Saudi Arabia in March, should apply at least 30 days without preconditions. The Ukrainian President also reports hundreds of Russian air raids in the past two months, despite Putin's announcements of fire breaks. In his message, Selenskyj emphasizes that Ukraine sticks to its promises in contrast to Russia.

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

criticism and political dynamics

In Moscow there is now criticism of Selenskyj's action, with allegations loud that he makes a spectacle out of the negotiations. Both sides accuse themselves of not having any real interest in peace talks. Putin hesitates whether he will personally travel to Istanbul, and it is believed that he could find a reason to send technocrats instead. This could be interpreted as a sign of disinterest in peace.

Selenskyj, on the other hand, goes on the diplomatic offensive and offers personal negotiations with Putin to increase the pressure on the Kremlin. The top priority of Ukraine remains an unconditional ceasefire as the basis for further discussions. However, if no progress is made, the threat of new sanctions against Russia remains an essential strategy of Ukraine and its partners Tagesschau reports that ... .