Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has for the first time given a positive message regarding a possible meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He stated that Putin has finally agreed to the meeting. However, Zelensky did not disclose additional details about the time and venue of the meeting.
The possible location of the meeting has become one of the main topics of discussion on the international agenda. The possibility of Azerbaijan, which has acted as a reliable partner in international diplomacy in recent years, being a platform for such a meeting is also being discussed. It also seems possible for the two leaders to meet in Istanbul, which previously became a meeting place for Ukrainian and Russian delegations.
In a statement to Modern.az, Rasim Musabayov, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations, said that he does not expect any meeting to take place soon:
“At this point, it is necessary to carefully follow the words of the Russian side. The Russian president said that a meeting can be held, let Zelensky come to Moscow. Zelensky is not going to go to Moscow and bow his head before Russia. To meet in a different place, the program must be prepared in such a way that it is possible to sign the main documents there. When it comes to fundamental documents, Yuri Ushakov, the Russian president's advisor on foreign affairs, again puts forward conditions that are considered unacceptable by the Ukrainian side. The Russians demand that Ukraine voluntarily hand over 6,000 kilometers of Donbass territory. This is not possible. Therefore, I do not expect a meeting of leaders in the near future.”
Regarding the possibility of the meeting being held in Azerbaijan, the parliamentarian said:
"Azerbaijan has all the capabilities to create conditions. Geographically and politically, Baku is acceptable for both Ukraine and Russia for a meeting. It's just that the parties do not announce steps towards real peace. If such a step is taken, of course, Baku is ready to hold this meeting."
Shamil Ayrım, a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, told our website that Turkey is one of the strongest candidates:
“In the event that such a leaders' summit takes place, Turkey is considered one of the strongest candidates among the host countries. Turkey has gained a special position in the international community thanks to its balanced diplomatic approach, which has allowed it to maintain relations with both Moscow and Kyiv throughout the war.
The talks held in Istanbul - the Grain Corridor agreement, prisoner exchange processes, and initiatives related to Black Sea security - have concretely demonstrated Turkey's mediation potential. In particular, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ability to establish direct contact with both leaders is considered one of the important factors increasing Turkey's diplomatic weight.”
The parliamentarian emphasized that the probability of Istanbul becoming the center of diplomatic contacts again is quite high:
“The main reasons why Turkey stands out for a possible summit are related to factors such as its ability to keep communication channels open with the parties, its balancing and constructive foreign policy approach, its strategic role in the Black Sea, its formation of a reliable platform in previous negotiations, and its active diplomacy towards regional peace and stability.
However, the holding of such a meeting is not only related to the choice of the host country. The military situation on the front, the approach of the US and Europe, Russia's security expectations, and Ukraine's diplomatic conditions are the main factors that will determine the direction of the process. However, given the current situation, the probability of Istanbul becoming the center of diplomatic contacts again seems quite high. Istanbul, as in the past, maintains its status as one of the most important cities that can build a diplomatic bridge between East and West today. The holding of such a summit in Turkey could lead to important results in terms of strengthening regional peace efforts, supporting stability in the Black Sea, reducing risks related to energy and food security, and further strengthening Turkey's role in global diplomacy.”
