Istanbul Diplomacy Fails to Crack Code as Putin and Zelenskyy Meeting Falls Through Again
Turkish officials hosted talks between Russian and Ukrainian leaders, a rare meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but no direct meeting occurred this week.
Istanbul talks highlight Turkiye's balancing act between Russia and Ukraine as leaders navigated a delicate diplomatic dance, with discussions centering on potential ceasefire agreements and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. The meetings underscored Turkiye's efforts to maintain its unique position in the conflict, seeking to balance its historical ties with Russia while maintaining relations with Ukraine. Despite some optimism that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might occur, no such encounter took place during the talks. The Istanbul summit marked a significant moment in Turkiye's quest for peace and stability in the region.
