Despite stalled peace talks and ongoing battlefield losses, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing for a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Russia, initiating a diplomatic swing through Europe and Turkey this week. As Zelenskyy seeks to “revitalize negotiations,” Russia has signaled it will not participate in talks held in Turkey, raising further doubts about immediate prospects for de-escalation. This comes as the Kremlin also condemned a recent arms deal between France and Ukraine, illustrating the complex and deteriorating diplomatic landscape surrounding the nearly two-year-old war.
Russia has indicated it will not send representatives to Turkey for talks aimed at reviving negotiations with Ukraine, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to visit the country seeking a path toward ending the war.
Zelenskyy stated on social media that Ukraine is working to “revitalize negotiations” and has prepared proposals to present to its partners, with a renewed focus on prisoner exchanges. The move comes as diplomatic efforts, including previous involvement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, have yet to yield significant results. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Turkey has positioned itself as a potential mediator between Kyiv and Moscow since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Delegations from both countries have met three times in Istanbul since May, resulting in agreements for prisoner swaps and the repatriation of deceased soldiers.
Despite these exchanges, progress toward a ceasefire has stalled, with Moscow rejecting calls for a truce. Russian forces have continued their attacks on Ukrainian cities, achieving territorial gains, particularly in the east of the country.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated last week that Russia remains “open to the negotiation process” to end the war, but blamed Ukraine and its European allies for the current impasse.
Kyiv, however, sees no indication that Moscow is willing to halt its invasion, accusing Russia of continuing to make unacceptable demands, including the cession of Ukrainian territory.
Witkoff to Meet Zelenskyy in Turkey, No Russian Representative Expected
U.S. President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to arrive in Turkey on Wednesday to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who is visiting the country to seek a revival of peace negotiations with Russia, according to a source in Turkey.
“The source in Turkey said that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will also visit Turkey on Wednesday and join the planned talks with Zelenskyy,” the report stated.
Russia announced it will not send an official to Turkey during Zelenskyy’s visit, following the Ukrainian president’s expression of intent to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to end the war.
“No, there will be no representative of Russia in Turkey tomorrow,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday.
“Reuters” reported that no in-person negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow have taken place since a meeting in Istanbul in July.
Ukraine and Russia held several rounds of talks in Istanbul, facilitating the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of fallen soldiers. However, a breakthrough on a ceasefire proved elusive.
Zelenskyy is also scheduled to visit Spain on Tuesday and Turkey on Wednesday. He stated that efforts are underway to intensify negotiations with Russia and prepare proposals for Ukraine’s partners. Zelenskyy also indicated that Kyiv is working to resume prisoner exchanges.
Kremlin Condemns France-Ukraine Deal on Fighter Jets
On Tuesday, Russia condemned a recent agreement between France and Ukraine that could see Kyiv acquire up to 100 “Rafale” fighter jets, labeling it an escalation of the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent on Monday, during Zelenskyy’s visit to Paris, outlining future arms deliveries.
“Paris is in no way contributing to peace, but rather fueling militaristic and war-like sentiments,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
France currently supplies “Mirage” fighter jets to Kyiv, but there had been no prior indication that Ukraine would acquire “Rafale” – France’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Throughout the war, Russia has criticized NATO countries for supplying weapons to Ukraine, claiming it has no impact on the battlefield.
“Whatever aircraft are sold to the Kyiv regime, it will not change the situation on the front lines and cannot change the dynamics,” Peskov said on Tuesday.
