The first peace talks in over three years between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for May 16 in Istanbul, yet expectations for progress are low due to the absence of high-level attendees. President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace following Putin's decision to send technocrats instead. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio echoed these sentiments, stating breakthroughs are unlikely. The involvement of Turkey is central, though the U.S.'s role is still uncertain as talks approach, adding further ambiguity to the potential outcome of the negotiations.
"Unfortunately, they are not serious enough about the negotiations," Zelenskyy told reporters in Ankara after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead the Ukrainian delegation.
"I want to be frank.... We don't have high expectations of what will happen tomorrow," Rubio told reporters after NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Antalya on May 15.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after meeting Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia's delegation in Istanbul, "Trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are on the agenda...".
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is sending a team that mirrors the level of the Russian delegation after Russian President Vladimir Putin shunned an offer by the Ukrainian leader to meet face-to-face in Turkey.
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