The American diplomatic mission is already on the ground — in Istanbul, the initial steps for the multilateral negotiations regarding the situation in Ukraine and around it have taken place
However, according to reports from local and international media, the mood of the U.S. delegation arriving to participate in this important diplomatic process leaves much to be desired. Sources assure that the emotional tone within the team representing the United States has been quite gloomy and tense. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Turkey early in the morning on May 16. It was planned that a series of high-level and multilateral meetings among representatives of international states regarding the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war would take place here. According to BBC correspondent Tom Bateman, who accompanied the American diplomats, the mood among the delegation was so unfavorable that it became a sharply discussed topic among journalists and analysts. In his report, Bateman notes: “American government officials apparently sought to inform their superiors that they managed to organize the meeting they were very eager to secure — a meeting at the level of Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. However, unfortunately, these plans remain unrealized for now. Instead, Rubio is heading to a scheduled meeting with high-ranking officials of the Turkish Republic and Ukraine.” Earlier, the Turkish agency Anadolu reported that several high-level meetings were scheduled, involving diplomatic representatives of Ukraine, the USA, Turkey, and Russia. However, the scenario turned out to be unexpected: Russia sent a low-level delegation to Istanbul, led by Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to President Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine will be represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to official information, the Ukrainian delegation comprises 12 individuals, including senior officials of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. This delegation was formed by a decision of President Volodymyr Zelensky — with pressing issues remaining security and continued support for Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia. Media outlets and analysts emphasize that the atmosphere surrounding these negotiations is rather tense. Diplomatic confrontations, concerns over the outcomes, and internal political interests of each side distort the high expectations that have long accompanied this diplomatic process. Considering the growing understanding within the international community of the complexity of the situation in the region, especially in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, the results of the Istanbul talks may influence the further course of the conflict and diplomatic efforts. It is only to be hoped that the internal potential of diplomats, their perseverance, and their desire for peace will help overcome the political and personal barriers currently overshadowing this crucial diplomatic moment. After all, rational and honest negotiations are the only right solution to reduce tensions and find avenues out of the tense situation faced by Ukraine, Russia, and neighboring countries.