Negotiations in Türkiye: Budanov explains why Putin has not arrived
Budanov stresses that Putin's non-participation is also a sign of the lack of preparation on the part of the Russian Federation for a dialogue at the highest level.
Kyrylo Budanov
On May 15, negotiations are scheduled to take place in Istanbul between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public willingness to personally participate, Russian president Vladimir Putin will not attend the talks.
This was reported by Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Answering journalists’ questions, he noted that the Russian delegation would indeed be present, but Putin himself would not take part.
“If you want my personal opinion — then no. I don’t think he’ll come,” Budanov said.
In his view, such behavior by the Kremlin contradicts Moscow’s statements about Ukraine’s alleged unwillingness to negotiate.
“They will undermine their own narrative that Ukraine is avoiding genuine peace talks. Our President made a decisive move and clearly stated: "I’m coming, I’m ready,” the chief of intelligence said.