Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticised the Kremlin’s dismissive approach to peace talks during a press conference in Ankara, stating that the Russian dictator’s failure to attend discussions in person was a clear sign of disrespect not just towards Ukraine, but also towards Turkey and the United States.
Zelenskyy, speaking alongside Turkish officials after bilateral meetings, said the low-level Russian delegation sent to Turkey shows that Moscow has no real interest in a negotiated path to peace. The Ukrainian President questioned how serious Russia is about ending the war when its dictator, Vladimir Putin, refuses to show up. He pointedly remarked, “We cannot run all over the world looking for a man.”
The President emphasised that Putin’s absence from both Ankara and Istanbul meetings, where high-level officials from Ukraine, Turkey, and the United States—including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—had gathered, highlighted a deliberate snub. “There is no agenda, no time, no senior delegation. This is not just disrespect to Ukraine. This is direct disrespect to Turkey and to Trump,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian President reiterated that Ukraine is ready for direct talks if Russia agrees to an unconditional ceasefire as a first step. He called on the international community to enforce sanctions and apply pressure if Russia continues to avoid meaningful negotiations.
Zelenskyy stressed that it is Russia, not Ukraine, obstructing peace. “We have come to talk. They sent no one. How can there be peace talks if one of the key parties to the war refuses to even turn up?”
He added that this behaviour from the Kremlin undermines all international diplomatic efforts and is part of a broader pattern of disrespect and evasion that must be addressed. “Putin must show leadership if he wants peace. Until then, this is all theatre,” said the Ukrainian leader.
