President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down in Ankara on Wednesday, stepping into the diplomatic spotlight ahead of peace talks scheduled with Russia’s delegation on Thursday.
Facing reporters upon arrival, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine’s team includes senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, military and intelligence agencies. “We have a top-level delegation,” he said, even as the exact lineup from the Russian side remains officially undisclosed.
Central to these negotiations is the question of authority on both sides. “We need to understand what level of the Russian delegation we’re dealing with and what mandate they have,” Zelenskyy explained, underscoring how outcomes hinge on each side’s negotiating power.
This round of dialogue follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal last Sunday to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15. Zelenskyy has confirmed his participation and expressed hope for a face-to-face with Putin—though the Russian leader has yet to appear.
With Ankara hosting these high-stakes discussions, all eyes are on whether diplomacy can bridge deep divides and chart a path toward lasting peace.
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Zelenskyy meets Erdogan in Ankara ahead of peace talks with Russia
cgtn.com
