Lipavský: Putin’s absence from Istanbul talks shows cowardice

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non partisan) called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to skip direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul a sign of cowardice. Speaking ahead of an informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya, Turkey, Lipavský criticized the Kremlin’s choice to send advisor Vladimir Medinsky instead. He said that this is hardly a genuine peace negotiation and that Vladimir Putin clearly fears it and is hiding behind an ideological figure. NATO diplomats agreed the move signals Russia’s lack of genuine intent. Estonia’s foreign minister called the low-level delegation “a slap in the face.” Lipavský added that Europe is ready to impose more sanctions.