Volodymyr Zelensky says he will be in Istanbul tomorrow, May 15th, waiting for the face-to-face meeting that Vladimir Putin said he would attend . . . and may have backed away from, yet again.

Over the past weekend, Putin himself — finally agreeing to direct talks with Ukraine’s president — suggested Istanbul as the site and May 15th as the date. Zelensky immediately agreed, and has said that he will definitely be there. But, he cautioned, he expects to meet with his counterpart Putin, and not with lower-ranking officials:

“It is with [Putin] that I must negotiate a cease-fire, as only he can decide on it. If he takes the step to say he is ready for a cease-fire then it opens the way to discussing all the elements to end the war.” [RFE/RL, May 13, 2025.]

But there has been no confirmation as yet from the Kremlin . . . only this from spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

“As soon as the president considers it necessary, we will make an announcement” . . . adding that Russia continues to “move forward with preparations for the talks.” [Id.]

I believe that’s what is known as speaking without saying anything.

Zelensky said that he has invited Donald Trump, who is currently in the Middle East, to join in the talks. But it is not yet certain what Trump’s schedule will permit, though he did indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be among the top U.S. officials traveling to Turkey for the meeting; and there is indication that the U.S. delegation will include Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg as well. [Id.]

But whether the trip proves to be fruitful, or becomes yet another waste of time, remains to be seen . . . and depends entirely upon Putin’s game plan. Top diplomat Kaja Kallas of the EU has said that Putin wouldn’t “dare” to show up, as “Russia is clearly playing games, trying to buy time. I don’t think they are interested in peace. They are still bombing Ukraine. If they were interested in peace, they could stop right now.” [Id.]

In light of Putin’s continued attacks on Ukraine, and his refusal to discuss a meaningful ceasefire, that sounds more than likely. But we’ll just have to wait and see who shows up tomorrow.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/14/25