Translated with AI
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to participate in talks with Ukraine in Istanbul was evidence of a deliberate delay in the process of establishing a ceasefire, The Guardian reported.
Commenting on the situation, Starmer noted that the Russian leader’s actions only confirm his unwillingness to engage in direct dialogue and his desire to prolong the conflict.
"What happened today is further evidence that it is Putin who is stalling for time. It is he who is the reason for the breakdown of the ceasefire agreements. Ukraine proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire several months ago. It is Putin who is standing in the way of this peace," the head of the British government said.
According to Starmer, the UK will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore peace and territorial integrity.
Istanbul talks without Putin
Despite a public offer from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, the Russian president refused to participate in the talks. The Russian delegation at the meeting is represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.
In turn, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey, where the Ukrainian delegation was headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelensky himself noted that in the absence of Vladimir Putin at the meeting, he does not see the need for his personal presence in Istanbul.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously stated his readiness to participate in the negotiations, but subsequently withdrew his offer after it became known that Putin had refused.
In turn, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said that Moscow views these negotiations as a continuation of the negotiation process that took place in Istanbul in 2022.
