The Monocle Daily Is Putin serious about peace in Istanbul talks?
May 15, 2025
Olga Tokariuk, a Ukrainian journalist and fellow at Chatham House, joins Charles Hecker, author of 'Zero Sum', to dissect the recent peace talks in Istanbul. They discuss President Zelensky's decision to send his defence minister and assess Russia's claims of readiness for compromises. The conversation dives into the shifting dynamics of the negotiations, Putin's ambiguous position, and the implications for U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict. Optimism and caution intermingle as they explore the broader impact of these developments on the region.
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Russia's Lukewarm Peace Talks
- Russia shows no real willingness to compromise in Ukraine peace talks.
- Putin's absence and low-level delegation indicate lack of seriousness about peace.
Putin's War Commitment
- Putin prefers to continue the war believing he's winning despite high costs.
- Russia's hyper-militarized economy and poor information hinder his ability to seek peace.
US Role in Ukraine Peace Prospects
- Trump's interest in peace talks seems more about personal credit than lasting peace.
- Ukraine is hopeful but cautious if US and Europe will impose harsher sanctions to shift Russia's calculus.