Probability that Russian president will be in Istanbul is nearly zero – Alexey Anpilogov

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Alexey Anpilogov commented on possible Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul and emphasized that they are unlikely to be successful.

“From my perspective, the probability that the Russian president will be in Istanbul is nearly zero. Zelensky’s so-called proposal, of course, was presented in an extremely rude manner and in an ultimatum form, showing a lack of understanding of how top officials’ visits are organized. They do not happen at the snap of a finger. This is a sign of a lack of understanding of diplomatic protocol. By the way, it is interesting that on the very date on which Zelensky set this ‘showdown’, he himself has a meeting with the president of Montenegro scheduled in diplomatic protocol. How he intends to explain his own absence at a prearranged and publicly announced meeting is a question for him and his understanding of his own obligations.

On the other hand, I think that, based on the statement made by the President of Russia that we are ready for negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions and the subsequent explanation that, most likely, Mr. Ushakov will head this delegation, I expect that the Russian delegation will come to Istanbul and, most likely, will cross paths with the Ukrainian delegation there,” Anpilogov said.

According to the political scientist, the negotiations are unlikely to be successful.