Russia rejects role in Ukraine–US talks in Türkiye, Kremlin says

Russia will not take part in the upcoming negotiations between Ukraine and the United States in Türkiye on resolving the war, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, stressing that Moscow has ruled out any participation in the Zelenskyy–Witkoff talks.

During the briefing, he emphasised that no Russian representatives would be present and that the contacts were being carried out without Russia’s participation, Caliber.Az reports via TASS.

Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would visit Türkiye on November 19 to “intensify negotiations” on a Ukrainian settlement.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the delegation plans to put forward developed proposals to partners while aiming to revive exchanges and facilitate the return of prisoners.

Zelenskyy did not specify whom he intends to meet in Türkiye or the content of the prepared messages.

A Turkish source, meanwhile, said US Presidential Envoy for Peacekeeping Missions Steven Witkoff plans to visit Türkiye on November 19 and take part in the scheduled talks with Zelenskyy.

Türkiye, a NATO member that maintains cordial ties with both Russia and Ukraine, has served as the primary venue for negotiations on ending the war since 2022.

Diplomacy, however, has largely stalled in recent weeks, with US President Donald Trump imposing sanctions last month on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft in response to what he says is Moscow’s obstruction of the talks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada