Russia Will Not Be Involved In Ukraine's War Negotiations In Turkey

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov/Basy Artyom Geodakyan/TASS

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would not participate in negotiations announced by Ukraine to be held in Turkey on Wednesday (19/11).

"No, the Russian representatives will not be in Turkey tomorrow. So far, these contacts have been carried out without Russia's participation. We will wait for information on what will be discussed in Istanbul," Peskov said at a press conference in Moscow, Tuesday, November 18, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu.

The official said Ukraine had not responded to Russia's peace initiative or signaled its readiness to resume negotiations with Moscow.

Earlier on Tuesday (18/11), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Telegram he would visit Turkey to "intensify negotiations" over conflict resolution, saying he would present a "solution that has been formulated" and focused on exchanging prisoners of war.

He did not mention his negotiating partner or the contents of his message. Media reports claim the US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff plans to join the negotiations.

"As a result, Zelenskyy refers to the contact that will take place tomorrow in Istanbul. This is Zelenskyy's contact with our Turkish friends, which is likely to be attended by Mr. Witkoff," Peskov said.

He reiterated Russia's willingness to negotiate, saying Moscow's position was "already known" by all parties involved.

"Russia remains open to the negotiation process. Our position is known; it is known both in Istanbul and in Kiev," said the Kremlin official.

According to him, contact with Witkoff or Turkish representatives is not on the agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he is open to such discussions to hear the results of negotiations with Zelenskyy.

"If there are people you mention, they think it is necessary to notify the Russian side, of course, President Putin will be open to discussions," he said.

Peskov added that Kiev's readiness to find a resolution could only be assessed after Zelenskyy submitted his specific proposal.

"So far, we haven't seen anything in this step because we don't know what the purpose is. Once we find out, we'll be able to find out if we saw something or not," he said.

Responding to the potential delivery of French Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, Peskov said it would not change the military situation.

"Whatever planes are sold to the Kiev regime, they will not be able to change the situation on the front lines," he said.

The spokesman also criticized France's ongoing military support for Ukraine.

"France continues to arm the Kiev regime. France is doing so now, and plans to do so tomorrow. Unfortunately, Paris has contributed nothing to peace. Paris is still visible in inciting military and pro-military sentiment," he said.

On Monday (17/11), Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a memorandum of understanding about the delivery of 100 Rafale fighter jets to Kiev.

Source: Anadolu