Written Byย Noman, Global Politics Analystย | November 18, 2025 |ย Global Politics
The True Reason Russia Reject Walked Away From Turkey’s Peace Talks join this weekโs Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, a summit expected to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior U.S. officials. The Kremlin says it is โopen to dialogue,โ but only in formats it considers productive โ effectively ruling out Ankaraโs multilateral meeting.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the upcoming talks as โsymbolic,โ signaling that Moscow wants greater control over how and when future negotiations take place. The decision comes as frontline fighting intensifies and diplomatic channels remain frozen since the failed 2022 Istanbul talks.
Why Russia Rejected the Turkey Summit
Protecting Leverage as Momentum Favors Moscow By skipping the meeting, Moscow avoids coordinated pressure from Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe. It also ensures negotiations do not challenge its control over occupied territories โ a key Russian demand in all previous proposals.
Framing the Summit as โMeaningless Without Russia
Russian officials argue that any peace effort without Moscow is merely symbolic. This narrative is aimed at the Global South, where Russia continues to push the idea that Ukraine acts through Washington rather than independently.
Avoiding Pressure for a ZelenskyโPutin Meeting
Despite rising search interest in a possible leadersโ meeting in Turkey, both sides remain far apart:
- Ukraine wants a 30-day ceasefire and withdrawal to pre-2022 or 1991 borders.
- Russia insists Ukraine must recognize annexed territories and accept neutrality.
With such opposing positions, a leader-level meeting remains highly unlikely.
Turkeyโs Role Weakens โ But Not Disappearing
Turkey continues to present itself as a mediator, but its influence has declined since the collapse of the grain deal. Russia now favors Gulf and Asian mediators who avoid openly criticizing Moscow. Even so, Turkey remains one of the few countries capable of hosting such discussions.
What This Means Going Forward
Short term: Symbolic talks, minimal breakthroughs. Medium term: Any real negotiations will require a shift in battlefield momentum. Long term: A comprehensive peace deal is distant until both sides adjust their red lines.
Conclusion
By refusing to attend the Turkey summit, Russia is not rejecting diplomacy โ it is rejecting diplomacy it cannot control. The Kremlin is keeping the door open, but only on terms favorable to Moscow.
Sources:
- [0] Anadolu Agency (Nov 18, 2025)
- [1] Washington Post (Nov 18, 2025)
- [2] Firstpost (Nov 18, 2025)
- [3] Washington Times (Nov 18, 2025)
- [4] Al Jazeera (Nov 18, 2025)
Is Russia attending the Turkey talks?
No, the Kremlin confirmed no officials will participate.
Why did Moscow skip the summit?
To maintain leverage, avoid multilateral pressure, and dismiss the meetingโs legitimacy.
Will Putin and Zelensky meet soon?
Highly unlikely. Their conditions remain incompatible.
Did past Turkey talks succeed?
Only in humanitarian areas like prisoner exchanges โ no ceasefire was reached.
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