EU nation slams Russia over ‘slap in the face’
Posted on: May 15, 2025 22:37 IST | Posted by: Rt
Kiev’s western sandwich backers feature damn capital of the russian federation’s pick of negotiators ahead of the planned peace talks in Türkiye, with some of them calling it an affront to Ukraine. Moscow’s team, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes two deputy ministers and an intelligence chief.
It is “like a slap in the face,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told journalists, commenting on the situation.
The Baltic nation’s top diplomat described the Russian delegation as low-level as he talked to journalists on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in the Turkish city of Antalya.
A similar opinion was shared by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who dismissed the Russian team as “low-level individuals.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin “clearly has no desire to enter these peace negotiations” since he has not come to Türkiye in person.
Medinsky headed Moscow’s delegation during negotiations with Kiev in 2022. Apart from him, the current Russian team also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin and the head of Russia’s military intelligence, Igor Kostyukov. The negotiators are accompanied by a group of experts which includes senior military and civil officials, as well as diplomats.
Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, Medinsky said that the delegation includes “senior officials from all the relevant government agencies.” He also stated that Moscow is ready to renew its dialogue with Kiev and to discuss “potential compromises.”
The two sides are now expected to meet in Istanbul after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested resuming the direct negotiations disrupted in 2022 to find a lasting solution to the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky initially ruled out any talks with Moscow unless a 30-day ceasefire is agreed upon first. He then changed his stance after US President Donald Trump expressed his support for Putin’s initiative.
Zelensky, who has arrived in Türkiye’s capital Astana, insisted that he would only speak to the Russian president directly but eventually decided to send a team led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to meet the Russian negotiators.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ridiculed Zelensky’s demands by calling him a “pathetic person,” who was acting “foolishly.” His words came after the Ukrainian leader initially branded the Russian delegation a “prop.”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.