Background on Volodymyr Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky is the current President of Ukraine, elected in 2019. A former comedian and actor, Zelensky gained prominence for his portrayal of a schoolteacher in a popular TV series. His political background and lack of traditional political experience have made his presidency unique, especially as he navigates the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Delegation to Istanbul
- Zelensky confirms the dispatch of a Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul for talks with Russia.
- He will not attend the meeting due to the composition of the Russian delegation and the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Delegation Leadership and Objectives
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and several high-ranking intelligence and military officials, as Zelensky explained during a press conference in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Zelensky emphasized that the decision to send a delegation, despite Putin’s snub, is necessary to negotiate not only with Russia but also with Turkish and US representatives.
The primary objective of the Ukrainian delegation is to achieve a ceasefire, as Zelensky lamented that Russia continues to take these meetings lightly and has no intention of ending the war.
US Pressure on Ukraine vs. Russia
Zelensky stated that the United States has exerted more pressure on Ukraine than on Russia, asserting that pressure should be applied to the side unwilling to end the conflict.
He met with Erdogan, who expressed his willingness to host the talks in Turkey, either at the delegation or leadership level.
Territorial Recognition
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will not recognize territories occupied by Russia, including Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.
“We cannot discuss territorial issues as it violates our Constitution,” he emphasized.
Russian Perspective
“Pathetic”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who will also skip the meeting, called Zelensky “pathetic” for demanding Putin’s presence in Istanbul.
Lavrov criticized Western European countries’ peace proposals, labeling them “bellicose” and claiming that the Russian minority in Ukraine faces oppression while Europe supports “nazism,” according to statements reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Zelensky sending a delegation to Istanbul despite Putin’s absence?
A: Zelensky aims to negotiate not only with Russia but also with Turkish and US representatives to achieve a ceasefire.
- Q: What is the primary objective of the Ukrainian delegation?
A: The main goal is to secure a ceasefire, as Zelensky believes Russia takes these meetings lightly and has no intention of ending the war.
- Q: How does Zelensky perceive the pressure exerted by the United States?
A: Zelensky believes that the US has applied more pressure on Ukraine than on Russia, urging pressure on the side unwilling to end the conflict.
- Q: Will Ukraine recognize territories occupied by Russia?
A: No, Ukraine will not recognize the occupied territories, as Zelensky stated that discussing territorial issues violates the Ukrainian Constitution.
- Q: What is Russia’s stance on the Istanbul talks?
A: Russian officials, including Sergei Lavrov, have criticized the talks as a “farce” and called Zelensky’s demand for Putin’s presence “pathetic.” They also labeled Western European peace proposals as “bellicose” and claimed that the Russian minority in Ukraine faces oppression while Europe supports “nazism.”
