**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Meets Turkish Counterpart Erdogan in Ankara, Peace Talks with Russia on the Horizon**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on May 15. This meeting comes ahead of potential peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
The meeting was seen as a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Erdogan for organizing the possibility of direct negotiations. However, he also emphasized that it is essential to understand the level of authority within the Russian delegation, their mandate, and whether they are capable of making decisions on their own.
**Tensions Remain High as Russian Delegation Refuses to Meet in Person**
Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to attend the peace talks, instead appointing his aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to lead the negotiations. Zelensky described this decision as a “sham” delegation, implying that Russia is not genuinely committed to finding a peaceful resolution.
The tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, displacement, and economic damage.
**Turkey’s Mediator Role Critical in Brokered Peace**
Turkey has played a crucial role in brokering peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia. Erdogan’s willingness to host the talks is seen as an attempt to maintain his country’s neutrality while also seeking to play a key mediator role.
The previous direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia were held in Istanbul in 2022, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. However, Turkey has continued to facilitate diplomatic efforts, including brokering the Black Sea grain deal that allowed safe maritime shipment until Russia pulled out of the agreement in 2023.
**NATO Summit: Zelensky’s Absence a Concern**
The Ukrainian President’s decision not to attend the upcoming NATO summit is a concern for many European leaders. His absence would mark the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion that he has not participated, either physically or virtually.
**Drone Strikes and Prisoner Exchanges: Ongoing Developments in the Conflict**
In other developments, Ukrainian forces downed 62 out of 100 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight. The operation aimed to disrupt arms shipments to Russian forces stationed at Ukraine’s northeastern border. Additionally, a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia was reported, with Nariman Dzhelial, deputy chair of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, being released.
**A Window of Opportunity for Peace?**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed optimism that there is a window of opportunity in the coming weeks to bring the conflict to a better place. The international community continues to watch with bated breath as Ukraine and Russia engage in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
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