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Russia’s Low-Level Delegation Undermines Ukraine Peace Talks, NATO Secretary General Says
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukraine extended an offer to Russia for high-level peace talks in Istanbul, but Russian leader Vladimir Putin declined, missing an opportunity to advance toward a peaceful resolution. This was announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a press conference, on May 15.
Rutte highlighted that Western nations had established the "Coalition of the Willing" and other initiatives to ensure that any future ceasefire or peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia is durable and reliable.
The NATO Secretary General underscored that the responsibility now clearly rests with Russia.
"The Russians are sending a low-level delegation and are missing the opportunity provided by President Zelenskyy. He stated that he is ready to sit down for talks with Putin. As soon as there is a ceasefire, we are prepared to negotiate a peace agreement, so Ukraine is clearly ready to play by the rules. But the ball is now in Russia’s court," he added.
Rutte also expressed appreciation for the United States’ active role in supporting the peace process, noting that US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their teams remain focused on achieving a sustainable resolution in Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had arrived in Ankara for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Zelenskyy had previously expressed his willingness to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in person in Istanbul on the same day, following Moscow’s call for direct negotiations.
However, reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be part of Russia’s delegation for the talks.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump will also be absent from the upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
