Zelenskyy's Decision on Istanbul Talks Hinges on Erdogan Meeting

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his decision on sending a delegation to peace talks with Russia in Istanbul depends on his upcoming meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The announcement came in a short video released by TRT World on May 15th. Zelenskyy expressed reservations about the level of the Russian delegation, stating, "We need to understand what level the Russian delegation is at, what mandate they have." He added that the Ukrainian delegation's participation is contingent on a clear understanding of the Russian side's authority and intentions. This cautious approach highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the peace process. The talks, scheduled for Istanbul, are seen as a crucial step in potentially resolving the ongoing conflict. The outcome of Zelenskyy's meeting with Erdogan will be closely watched by international observers, as it could determine the future course of negotiations.