International observers were caught off guard when Vladimir Zelensky announced plans to revive negotiations aimed at ending the Ukrainian conflict, noting that preparations for new talks in Turkey were already under way. The development drew a prompt reaction from Russian military correspondent Aleksandr Kots.

Kots pointed out that Steven Witkoff, the special representative of the U.S. president, was also expected in Turkey. He suggested that the American envoy would likely relay Washington’s official stance on how the conflict should be brought to a close.

According to Kots, given the sweeping corruption scandal within the Ukrainian leadership, the U.S. position is unlikely to be met warmly in Kyiv.

He also underscored the abrupt shift in Kyiv’s messaging. Not long ago, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that no negotiations with Russia were planned for this year.

Kots argued that the corruption scandal and the worsening situation on the front lines have narrowed Zelensky’s room for maneuver. At the same time, he stressed that the talks themselves remain far from guaranteed, noting that Moscow has not indicated any intention to join a meeting in Istanbul.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged. He maintained that it was Kyiv that withdrew from the negotiation process, effectively freezing any prospects for a peace agreement.