Zelensky Discusses Ukrainian Sovereignty and Peace Talks in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes Crimea's significance and discusses the upcoming peace negotiations with Turkish President Erdogan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, following discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The occasion was significant, taking place just before Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations are set to resume.
NATO Secretary General has previously identified Turkey as a key player in these discussions.
During the press conference, Zelensky revealed that Erdogan recognized Crimea as territory under Ukrainian jurisdiction, labeling this acknowledgment as a notable political endorsement.
Crimea holds strategic importance for both Ukraine and Russia and is central to the resolution talks of the ongoing conflict.
The peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014, and Moscow has long sought formal recognition from Ukraine transferring control of the region as part of any peace agreement.
Zelensky has repeatedly rejected this demand, stating that formally ceding Crimea has always been a red line for Ukraine, counter to the provisions of its constitution.
He announced that Ukraine's delegation to the Istanbul talks would be led by the Minister of Defense and would include other military and intelligence officials.
He noted the significance of the high-level Ukrainian delegation, especially in light of Russia sending a lower-level team to the negotiations.
During the press conference, Zelensky criticized Russia for lacking political will and disrespecting Ukraine with its representation.
He also mentioned that if a ceasefire can be achieved, a meeting with Vladimir Putin could be avoided.
Zelensky called upon Ukraine's allies to exert greater pressure on Moscow if it remains resistant to meaningful dialogue.
Reiterating Ukraine's unwavering position, he stated that Crimea cannot be a topic of the peace negotiations, affirming, "Crimea is part of our state, and Turkey, thank God, supports and understands this stance."
When journalists inquired about the current status of the peace process given Putin’s absence, Zelensky expressed a collective desire for the peace process to commence.
He indicated the importance of productive negotiations, stating that if the delegations work effectively, it could lead to progress in a diplomatic direction.
The occasion was significant, taking place just before Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations are set to resume.
NATO Secretary General has previously identified Turkey as a key player in these discussions.
During the press conference, Zelensky revealed that Erdogan recognized Crimea as territory under Ukrainian jurisdiction, labeling this acknowledgment as a notable political endorsement.
Crimea holds strategic importance for both Ukraine and Russia and is central to the resolution talks of the ongoing conflict.
The peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014, and Moscow has long sought formal recognition from Ukraine transferring control of the region as part of any peace agreement.
Zelensky has repeatedly rejected this demand, stating that formally ceding Crimea has always been a red line for Ukraine, counter to the provisions of its constitution.
He announced that Ukraine's delegation to the Istanbul talks would be led by the Minister of Defense and would include other military and intelligence officials.
He noted the significance of the high-level Ukrainian delegation, especially in light of Russia sending a lower-level team to the negotiations.
During the press conference, Zelensky criticized Russia for lacking political will and disrespecting Ukraine with its representation.
He also mentioned that if a ceasefire can be achieved, a meeting with Vladimir Putin could be avoided.
Zelensky called upon Ukraine's allies to exert greater pressure on Moscow if it remains resistant to meaningful dialogue.
Reiterating Ukraine's unwavering position, he stated that Crimea cannot be a topic of the peace negotiations, affirming, "Crimea is part of our state, and Turkey, thank God, supports and understands this stance."
When journalists inquired about the current status of the peace process given Putin’s absence, Zelensky expressed a collective desire for the peace process to commence.
He indicated the importance of productive negotiations, stating that if the delegations work effectively, it could lead to progress in a diplomatic direction.
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