Former Ukrainian diplomate says Zelensky handles peace discussions as ‘political show’
(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is using the planned peace talks with Russia in Istanbul as a political performance rather than a genuine diplomatic effort, former Ukrainian diplomat Andrey Telizhenko told RT.
Russian lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky announced he would be ready to meet the Ukrainian delegation starting Friday at 10 a.m. local time. During his visit to Ankara on Thursday, Zelensky criticized what he called the “low-level” makeup of Russia’s delegation, but still committed to sending Ukrainian negotiators.
According to Telizhenko, Zelensky is acting independently of Washington and is increasingly reliant on support from France and the UK for arms and funding. He suggested that depending on the level of backing Zelensky receives, the Ukrainian president may either move forward with the peace process or deliberately derail it. Telizhenko expressed skepticism that meaningful negotiations would take place.
“This is not true diplomacy—it’s political theater,” he said, claiming that Zelensky is focused more on personal gain than the welfare of Ukrainian citizens.
The two nations had initially been expected to meet in Istanbul on Thursday, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to restart talks without preconditions. Moscow has said it wants to pick up where the negotiations left off in spring 2022, when Ukraine withdrew from the discussions.
Zelensky originally refused to engage in talks unless Russia agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. However, Moscow warned that Ukraine could use such a truce to rebuild its military strength. Putin stated that any lasting ceasefire would require Ukraine to halt mobilization and end foreign arms deliveries.
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