Kremlin Prepares Russian Public for Potential Failure of Istanbul Talks
As peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia commence in Istanbul, reports indicate that the Kremlin has issued directives to pro-government media outlets on how to portray the talks. These instructions suggest a strategic move to manage public expectations and preemptively frame any unfavorable outcomes.
According to RBC-Ukraine, citing information from Meduza, Russian media received guidelines from the Kremlin’s political bloc regarding the coverage of the Istanbul negotiations. The directives emphasize presenting the talks as a continuation of previous diplomatic efforts, specifically referencing Vladimir Medinsky’s role in the 2022 negotiations. Medinsky, currently leading the Russian delegation, is portrayed as a consistent figure in Russia’s diplomatic engagements.
The instructions lack specific details about Russia’s position or objectives in the negotiations. Instead, they focus on shaping public perception by suggesting that the current talks occur under less favorable conditions for Ukraine compared to previous discussions. However, the guidelines do not elaborate on what constitutes these “worse conditions.”
In anticipation of potential setbacks, the Kremlin advises media to prepare the public for the possibility of the talks failing. The directives recommend emphasizing that any new sanctions resulting from the negotiations will not hinder Russia’s development. Media are instructed to highlight Russia’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges posed by sanctions, asserting that the national budget accounts for such economic measures. Additionally, the guidelines suggest downplaying the impact of energy trade sanctions, claiming they do not affect the stability of Russia’s energy sector.
The Istanbul talks follow a recent rejection by President Putin of a joint proposal from Ukraine, the EU, and the U.S. for a temporary 30-day ceasefire. Despite this, Putin publicly expressed willingness to resume negotiations, proposing Turkey as the venue. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supported the initiative, offering Turkey’s role as a mediator in the peace process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially called Putin’s bluff.