Zelensky accuses Russia of sending 'stand-in props' to peace talks

Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the Turkish capital, Ankara, for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the Russian-Ukrainian talks scheduled to take place in Istanbul. 

After disembarking his plane, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a short speech on the tarmac of Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Turkiye, the BBC reported. 

He said that Ukraine is in contact with the US delegation regarding talks with Russia.

Zelensky, speaking about Russia's delegation in Istanbul, said: "Officially, I’m not aware of the Russian’s level [of representation]. But from what we’ve seen they look like stand-in props."

He said Ukraine will decide its next steps after he meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Several high-profile events are taking place in Turkiye: Antalya is hosting a NATO foreign ministerial, Zelensky is meeting Erdogan in Ankara while Ukrainian and Russian officials are expected to meet in Istanbul for direct talks.