The Turkish Twist

Putin no-shows the very talks he suggested

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in December 2024. (Public Domain)

On May 15, anticipated direct talks between Russia and Ukraine stood in doubt as neither Russian leader Vladimir Putin nor U.S. President Donald Trump made the trip to Turkey.

Putin had proposed direct talks “without preconditions” on May 11 after EU leaders traveled to Kyiv the day before and demanded Russia accept a 30-day ceasefire before starting full talks to end the war. Trump undercut the EU demand by endorsing Putin's idea on social media and saying that Ukraine should "IMMEDIATELY" accept the offer. Ukraine instantly agreed. Trump teased throughout the week that he might go to Turkey as part of his Middle East trip, but decided against it on May 14 after the Kremlin announced a roster of junior-level officials headed to Istanbul that didn't include Putin. Putin is the only decision-maker in Russia; the junior officials he sent to Istanbul are better understood as delegated to give Putin options.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with top officials, landed in Ankara on May 15 to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He told reporters after the meeting that he would send his defense minister to Istanbul to meet the junior Russian delegation; however, he added that there was no confirmed time for the meeting.

The fact that this initiative will result in not more than a low-level meeting—albeit potentially the first since 2022—should surprise nobody. There is no diplomatic solution on the table. Russia wants Ukraine's capitulation. Ukraine wants a just and lasting peace that preserves its sovereignty and prevents Russia from attacking it again. Trump just wants any deal.