After Putin declined to engage in talks with Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader finds no merit in further delegation meetings in Istanbul.

For the first time, Vladimir Putin has publicly addressed the destruction of bridges in Russia, attributing responsibility to Ukraine. He stated that negotiations are unfeasible in this context, claiming that the Ukrainian government is “degenerating into a terrorist organization.” Putin described the recent bombings of railway tracks in the Bryansk and Kursk regions as terrorist acts, asserting that such decisions originated with political leadership in Ukraine. He argued that the bridge bombings just before the second round of negotiations in Istanbul were intended to hinder the process.

Conversely, President Zelenskyy feels that ongoing meetings with Russia in Istanbul are pointless if they yield no results.

“The second Istanbul meeting was no different from the first. The same ultimatums they voiced last time are now presented in writing. Essentially, they are delaying sanctions,” the president commented.

The Russians have not responded to Kyiv’s proposed plan for resolving the war.

Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s delays in the diplomatic process, stating: “With each new postponement of diplomacy, Russia shows its middle finger to the whole world, and to everyone who does not want to increase pressure on Russia”.