Delegation at a Theatrical Level: Zelensky in Turkey Seeks Real Negotiators

While the global diplomatic elite packs their bags for Turkey, Volodymyr Zelensky decided not to hold back—bringing to Ankara his entire "top management": the Foreign Ministry, the President’s Office, military, and intelligence officials. According to the president, Ukraine arrived to negotiate like adults, with a suitcase full of solutions and the full spectrum of authority.

However, as often happens in Ukrainian-Russian relations, the paradox was not long in coming. On the opposite side of the negotiating table, if Moscow is to be believed, sits such a "formidable" delegation that even Russian stage props are nervously smoking on the sidelines. Instead of Putin—Vladimir Medinsky, a personal aide known for his expertise in historical reenactments. Unsurprisingly, Zelensky, having assessed the makeup of the Russian delegation, described it as more "theatrical" than capable of making decisions.

"Let’s see who the Russians have there and with what mandate. Because everyone knows who makes decisions in Russia," Zelensky quips, clearly hinting that Kremlin negotiators on matters of war and peace are about as effective as plastic toy soldiers on the diplomatic field.

Meanwhile, other "heavyweights" are joining the talks with Erdogan—the Americans, and Donald Trump promises to drop by in Istanbul the next day. If not a new Yalta format, then at least a worthy series for fans of international politics is taking shape in Turkey.

Zelensky plans to talk with Erdogan for several hours (about what—still a secret, but clearly not Ankara’s weather), and then meet with the press. The Ukrainian president is betting on real decisions, not historical reenactments, and expects at least the illusion of independence from the Russian delegation.

Meanwhile, all that remains for citizens is to watch: who in Turkey will really be making decisions about peace, and who will be putting on a show of activity in the best traditions of puppet theater. We await the outcome, standing ovation at the ready.