German FM urges Putin to meet with Zelenskyy in Istanbul
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Getty Images)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul on May 15, ZDF reports.
"Anyone who wants peace in Europe must negotiate now," Wadephul said.
The German minister emphasized that the ball is now in Putin’s court.
Istanbul talks
Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is only ready for dialogue after a full ceasefire. However, he later confirmed his willingness to personally meet with Putin in Türkiye.
So far, Moscow has not officially confirmed Putin’s participation or disclosed the composition of its delegation. Turkish officials have said they still do not know who from Russia will attend the talks.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov were expected to represent Russia in Istanbul.
However, reports emerged today that Lavrov will not attend. The makeup of the Russian delegation remains unknown.
Yesterday, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is only considering a personal meeting with the Russian leader. Other formats of contact with Russia have not been discussed.
More details about the possible Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
