Peace Talks Delayed Until 16 May as Trump Awaits Putin Meeting
The Istanbul talks will be a crucial test of Russia's intentions, with Ukraine insisting on an unconditional ceasefire as the minimum requirement for a successful outcome. The presence of high-level delegations from both Ukraine and the US adds to the significance of the talks, which will be closely watched by the international community.
US President Donald Trump has stated that no progress will be made until he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sends a team to Istanbul for peace talks with a Russian delegation.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustam Umerov, will meet with a Russian team headed by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's senior aide. Despite initial plans to begin talks on Thursday, the schedule has been postponed to the afternoon, with no confirmation from Ukraine or Turkey. Ukraine has expressed concerns that the Russian delegation may not be serious about negotiations, with Zelensky describing their intentions as "phony."
The talks in Istanbul come after a proposal from Putin, who rejected a call from Kyiv and its allies for a 30-day ceasefire. The US has stated that it will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not agree to a ceasefire. The Turkish government has offered to provide support for the talks, including mediation and hosting negotiations. The last direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow took place in Turkey and Belarus in 2022, which collapsed after Ukraine refused to surrender its sovereignty.
As the international community waits for the outcome of the talks, the situation remains uncertain, with Trump's meeting with Putin potentially holding the key to any progress. The US has hinted at imposing sanctions if the talks fail, adding to the pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire. With the talks delayed until 16 May, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.