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The Ukrainian and Russian delegations arrived in different Turkish cities for peace talks, marking a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. However, notable absences from the negotiations were President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States.
**Ukrainian Delegation in Istanbul**
The Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, arrived in Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meeting was seen as a crucial opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen its ties with Turkey and gain support in its efforts to end the conflict with Russia.
President Zelensky expressed optimism about the talks, stating that he was hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
President Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to end the conflict and reiterated his country’s stance on upholding the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The talks in Istanbul were seen as a positive step towards building stronger diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Turkey.
**Russian Delegation in Ankara**
In a separate development, the Russian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, arrived in Ankara for talks with Turkish officials. The absence of President Putin raised questions about Russia’s commitment to the peace process and its willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized Russia’s desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine but also reiterated Moscow’s position on the issue. He stated that Russia would continue to support the separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine and called for the implementation of the Minsk agreements as a basis for resolving the conflict.
The talks in Ankara were seen as an opportunity for Russia to engage with Turkey on the issue of Ukraine and to explore potential avenues for cooperation in the region. However, the absence of President Putin cast a shadow over the negotiations and raised doubts about Russia’s willingness to make concessions in the peace process.
**International Concerns and Expectations**
The absence of President Trump from the peace talks in Turkey was also notable, as the United States has played a key role in mediating the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The lack of American involvement in the negotiations raised concerns about the future of US engagement in the region and its commitment to resolving the conflict.
Many international observers expressed disappointment at the absence of key world leaders from the talks in Turkey, noting that their presence could have helped to facilitate a more productive dialogue between the parties involved. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine has had far-reaching implications for regional stability and security, making it imperative for world leaders to engage in meaningful discussions to find a lasting solution.
As the peace talks in Turkey continue, the international community will be closely watching the developments and hoping for a breakthrough in the negotiations. The absence of President Putin and President Trump from the discussions has raised questions about the commitment of key world leaders to resolving the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.