The Frankfurter Rundschau: Putin may go to Istanbul, but under certain conditions
No exclusion of negotiations being conducted in multiple rounds
Author: Konstantin Olshevsky
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Turkey is making tense preparations for the "Millennium Summit". The specific composition of the Russian delegation remains unknown. Initially, it was reported that Donald Trump might go to Istanbul, as he is currently on a visit to the Middle East.

Trump held several important meetings in Saudi Arabia, such as with Ahmed Shah (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, the field commander of a terrorist organization), who went to Riyadh to pay his respects to Trump. Trump plans to travel from Saudi Arabia to Qatar and conclude his visit in the UAE.

According to three American sources who spoke to Reuters, the president ultimately decided not to change his itinerary and will not go to Istanbul.

Reuters learned that Trump's two envoys, who handle Ukraine conflict-related affairs, will attend the Russia-Ukraine negotiations in place of Trump - Stephen Witkowski and Kit Kellogg.

According to reports by Turkey's Anadolu Agency, Trump himself stated that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the negotiations. He has already communicated by phone with the foreign ministers of Germany, Poland, France, and the UK.

The具体内容 of the negotiations has yet to be disclosed, but media reports suggest that three key issues may be discussed: territorial issues, the operation and status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and Ukraine's access to the Black Sea via the Dnieper River, which also involves the Kinburn Spit currently controlled by Russia.

Interestingly, the four countries (Germany, Poland, France, and the UK) whose leaders met provocatively with Vladimir Zelensky on May 10th at Trump's instruction are discussing ways to exert economic pressure on Russia: if Russia does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire, new sanctions will be imposed.

After speaking with German Foreign Minister Joachim Wagner, Turkish media Haber7 reported that Germany may also participate in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. However, it is unclear who will lead the German delegation. Major German media reviewed by "Free Media" have not confirmed Germany's participation in the "Millennium Summit."

Of note is Vladimir Zelensky's schedule. According to Hurriyet, he suddenly plans a bilateral meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which will take place in Ankara on May 14th. There were no previous announcements about this meeting; it was decided following a phone call between Zelensky and Erdogan. Hurriyet reported that Zelensky may travel to Istanbul on May 15th from Ankara.

The Frankfurter Rundschau writes that Vladimir Putin himself is unlikely to go to Istanbul on May 15th. However, if the negotiations prove fruitful, he may attend a subsequent round of talks.

The Frankfurter Rundschau reminds that there are no obstacles to Putin's visit to Turkey. This is because Turkey does not recognize the International Criminal Court, which issued an international arrest warrant for the Russian president two years ago.

Reiner Mints, head of Russia affairs at Germany's N-TV, also firmly believes: "Putin neither proposed nor intends to go to Istanbul. Such actions are completely impossible and unimaginable. They do not conform to international tradition and rules."

Mints stated that first, the negotiators will gather to formulate a unified position, and then the presidents will sign coordinated contracts.

Mints called Zelensky's insistence on meeting only with Putin in Istanbul an insane demand that contradicts all recognized diplomatic norms. Trump's decision not to personally attend the Russia-Ukraine bilateral negotiations was not accidental.

The Frankfurter Rundschau wrote that Trump views the "Millennium Summit" in Istanbul as one of his last hopes to fulfill many campaign promises (including bringing peace to Ukraine). So far, all of Trump's diplomatic efforts have failed, and in the diplomatic "chess game," Putin has always been superior.

Austrian military analyst and reserve colonel Markus Reisner said that the negotiations held in Istanbul would be another political victory for Putin. Reisner stated that he had won time, which was crucial for the Russian army.

This Austrian expert said: "After the summer offensive last year, the Russian army gained the upper hand. The Russian army continued to advance."

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504238486321529407/

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