Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to Turkey for talks, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined the invitation. This move highlights Ukraine's willingness to engage in peace discussions, contrasting with Russia's apparent reluctance. According to Ukraine correspondent Chris Colijn, Zelensky anticipated Putin's absence, knowing that Russia does not recognize him as a legitimate leader.
Russia is sending a delegation, though not at a high level, including presidential assistant Vladimir Medinsky and other officials. Zelensky will not meet with them. Colijn notes that Ukraine is relieved to demonstrate its openness to dialogue, unlike Russia.
Zelensky will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, coinciding with a NATO summit in Antalya. While immediate results are unlikely, Erdogan's role is crucial, given Turkey's influence as the second-largest NATO member and its historical ties to Crimea's Turkic-speaking Tatars.