Ukraine's Low Expectations for Istanbul Peace Talks with Russia

Peace Talks in Istanbul

• 🇹🇷 A Russian delegation has arrived in Istanbul for peace talks, but without President Vladimir Putin.
• 🇺🇦 Kyiv has low expectations for these direct negotiations to end the war with Russia.

Ukrainian Delegation Stance

• 🤝 President Zelenskyy has stated he will only meet with Putin at the presidential level.
• 📉 Ukrainian officials consider meeting with a lower-level Russian delegation, not including Putin, to be demeaning.
• ⚠️ A ceasefire announcement was previously considered a prerequisite for Ukraine to meet with a lower-level Russian delegation.

Diplomatic Engagements

• 🌍 Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, is in Antalya for an informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting.
• 🇺🇸 Kuleba has met with counterparts from France, Germany, the UK, and the US Secretary of State.
• 🇹🇷 President Zelenskyy is also in Turkey, but in Ankara, not Istanbul where the talks are scheduled.

Outlook on Negotiations

• 💬 Despite low expectations, there is still hope that some positive outcome might emerge from the talks.
• ⚖️ Some advisors suggest Ukraine should match the Russian delegation's level to avoid appearing forced into the meeting.