The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that Russian officials will not participate in the Ukraine-related consultations expected to take place in Türkiye this week, despite Kyiv’s intention to intensify diplomatic efforts.

Russia will not take part in the negotiations scheduled to be held in Türkiye on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said Russian representatives would not be present at the planned discussions and noted that recent diplomatic contacts regarding Ukraine have taken place without Russia’s participation.

“No, Russian representatives will not be in Türkiye tomorrow,” he said. “So far, these contacts have been carried out without Russian participation. We will be waiting for information about what will be discussed in Istanbul.”

Peskov also stated that Ukraine has not responded to Russia’s peace proposals nor shown readiness to resume direct talks with Moscow.

Zelenskyy Headed to Türkiye for “Intensified Negotiations”

Earlier on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that he would travel to Türkiye to “intensify negotiations” on a settlement. He said he planned to present “worked-out solutions” and would focus on the issue of war prisoner exchanges.

Zelenskyy did not specify who he would meet or the details of the proposals he intends to put forward. Media reports suggest U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff is expected to join the talks.

Peskov confirmed that Moscow believes Zelenskyy was referring to these planned Istanbul contacts, likely involving Turkish officials and possibly Witkoff.

Russia Reaffirms Openness to Talks

The Kremlin spokesman reiterated that Russia remains open to dialogue.

“Russia continues to remain open to the negotiation process. Our position is well known; it is well known both in Istanbul and in Kyiv,” he said.

He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no scheduled contacts with Witkoff or Turkish officials regarding the meetings but is open to hearing the outcomes if parties involved choose to brief Moscow.

“If any of the people you mentioned deem it necessary to inform the Russian side, President Putin will be open to conversation,” Peskov said.

Peskov added that Moscow will only be able to assess Kyiv’s intentions once Zelenskyy presents concrete proposals.

Russia Says Rafale Jet Delivery “Will Not Change Situation”

Addressing reports that France plans to send Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine under a new memorandum, Peskov said such deliveries would not alter the military balance.

“No matter what aircraft are sold to the Kyiv regime, it will not be able to change the situation on the fronts,” he said.

He criticized Paris for continuing to supply weapons to Kyiv.

“France continues to arm the Kyiv regime. Unfortunately, Paris does not contribute to the cause of peace in any way. Paris is still engaged in inciting military and pro-military sentiments,” he added.

On Monday, Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a memorandum of understanding covering the delivery of 100 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine. (ILKHA)