Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, sharply reacted to the refusal of Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the scheduled negotiations in Istanbul, condemning this move as another manifestation of sabotage by the Kremlin in the search for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine
According to him, the Russian leader's refusal to participate in diplomatic talks is "a clear confirmation that it is Putin who is delaying the peace process." Prime Minister Sunak stated that it is precisely this refusal on Moscow's part that is prolonging the ceasefire process in Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukrainian diplomats and authorities have long advocated for an unconditional and conditional cessation of hostilities, proposing a 30-day ceasefire, but these initiatives are blocked specifically by the Kremlin. "Ukraine has long demonstrated its willingness for constructive dialogue and its desire for peace, but it is Putin who is obstructing any progress in this direction," Sunak underscored. It is worth noting that on the eve, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Ankara, hoping for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Istanbul to discuss further ways to resolve the conflict. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian president does not plan to go to Turkey, and instead, the Russian delegation will be led by a low-level aide, Vladimir Medinsky. According to him, this indicates the Kremlin's inability to be a constructive participant in negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities, demonstrating their determination and persistence, did not stay on the sidelines. President Zelensky, considering the situation, independently decided to send a Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. This decision underscores Ukraine’s unwavering position on readiness for negotiations and its desire to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, despite the difficult diplomatic developments. Thus, the situation surrounding the possibility of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remains tense and filled with political intrigue. The official reactions from Britain and Ukraine emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire, while the Kremlin demonstrates an inability or unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The war continues, and the international community is closely watching future developments in the diplomatic sphere, which could determine the course of the conflict and the prospects for peace.