Zelenskyy called on Putin to come to the "Turkish carpet" (referring to negotiation scenarios in Turkey). Will the president go?

Moscow kept suspense until the end — it is still unclear who will be negotiating in Istanbul.

Author: Dmitriy Rodionov

Commentators:

Vsevolod Shimoov Ivan Mezuzh

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian delegation would arrive in Istanbul on May 15, and it was expected that the Ukrainian side would also go there. He also noted that Moscow has not yet disclosed the members of the delegation for negotiations in Istanbul.

He said that only when President Vladimir Putin deems it necessary to announce will the Kremlin disclose who will represent Russia in negotiations with Ukraine.

Earlier, some media outlets and Telegram channels reported that Russian President's assistant Yuri Ushakov would join the delegation, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would lead the delegation.

What's going on? Is this a leak? Why does the Kremlin keep suspense? Previously, former Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy stated that he would only negotiate with Russian President Putin. Is this mysteriousness maintained to avoid giving Zelenskyy any excuse to accuse Russia of sabotaging the negotiations?

In general, how might the composition of the delegation affect the outcome of the negotiations?

Vsevolod Shimoov, presidential advisor at the Baltic Sea Research Association, said: "I think the uncertainty exists partly due to Ukraine's hard-line stance, which requires the personal participation of the Russian president in the negotiations."

"From this uncertainty, such leaks are very undesirable."

"Free Media": Who actually needs these negotiations?

"In general, these negotiations are not necessary for both Russia and Ukraine because there are no points of agreement between them. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that someone is deliberately sabotaging the negotiations. Zelenskyy demands Putin's presence, while Putin considers Zelenskyy illegitimate and will not attend. Both sides blame each other for sabotaging the negotiations."

"Free Media": What should be the level of representatives from all parties, and who can guarantee that the mandates of the delegations will be equal in hastily convened negotiations?

"No one can guarantee that. This is indeed a hasty negotiation, and there is no consensus point. There may be presidents, foreign ministers, or some 'authorized representatives' without clear positions attending, but this will not change anything."

Ivan Mezuzh, political scientist and chairman of the Public Council of the "Political Enlightenment Center," said: "The composition of the Russian delegation is likely to be announced shortly before the negotiations."

"I don't think the government is intentionally creating suspense. After all, we also do not know the composition of the Ukrainian delegation. The parties involved in the negotiation process should be equal. It is possible that, to achieve this equality, Russia is not in a hurry to issue an official statement about the composition of our negotiation team."

"Free Media": Earlier, unverified reports appeared in the media and Telegram channels stating that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would lead the delegation, and President's assistant on foreign affairs Yuri Ushakov would join the delegation. Some media later removed related reports. How should this be understood? Is it a mispost or being too eager?

"Actually, what difference does it make? In any case, those participating in the negotiations on the Russian side will be authoritative and politically influential figures. The Kremlin has made it clear in various ways that it is ready for serious dialogue."

At the same time, the issue of parity between the two negotiating parties has existed in the past and continues to exist now. We cannot be sure that the Ukrainian side will send capable and high-ranking personnel to participate in the negotiations. Moreover, judging from various aspects, Vladimir Zelenskyy is preparing to fly to Turkey to stage a cheap performance against the Russian president there."

"Free Media": Previously, Zelenskyy stated that he would only negotiate with Putin, not anyone else. Is this posturing? Will anyone negotiate with him?

"Of course it's posturing. Leaders usually meet at the final stage of negotiations. Zelenskyy knows this, but he still behaves like a political thug. And in general, he should first cancel the order prohibiting negotiations with Putin instead of making excuses saying the document does not apply to him."

"Free Media": Last time in Istanbul, specific agreements were reached without the involvement of the president. By the way, there was no third party involved either. Could this happen again?

"If there is willingness, it is possible. But I doubt Kiev has the intention for serious dialogue."

"Free Media": What can be expected from possible negotiations? Do these negotiations have any meaning?

"First, it can be expected that negotiations are likely to take place. However, it is difficult to predict in what form they will be held. However, there will probably be some official-level direct contacts between Russia and Ukraine. I don't think the negotiations on May 15 will have revolutionary results."

"Moreover, the Ukrainian side is likely to try to disrupt the negotiation process in the future. If they could do so now, they would have done it already. But the management institutions of the Ukrainian regime cannot refuse Putin's initiative because doing so would not only cause conflict with us but also with the US president."

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Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504225816239292982/

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