If Putin comes: Zelenskyy names 2 key topics of possible meeting
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if he meets with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, he intends to discuss a ceasefire and the exchange of all prisoners, according to his interview with Liberation.
"If I meet with him, we must come out with a political victory – a ceasefire, the exchange of all prisoners for all prisoners, or something like that," said the president.
He noted that the Russians will not trust Ukrainians, and Ukrainians will not trust Russians. Therefore, in the president's opinion, only external mediators can guarantee the fulfillment of all agreements.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of reliable and balanced mediation that would be respected by both sides of the conflict. As a possible guarantor, the president mentioned the US, believing that Donald Trump's involvement could encourage Putin to come.
"If Putin doesn't come, it will look like a complete defeat for him," said the Ukrainian leader.
Additionally, Zelenskyy called for new sanctions against Russia, particularly from the US and the European Union.
When asked about the duration of the conflict, Zelenskyy said:
"No one knows how long it will last. But not ten years. Ukraine won't survive... It's too costly for everyone, not just for friends, but for enemies as well," he concluded.
What preceded this
On Saturday, Ukraine, the US, and the Coalition of the Willing proposed to Putin to start a full and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days, starting Monday, May 12. Otherwise, Russia was threatened with new sanctions.
Late Sunday night, Putin addressed the nation, avoiding the topic of the 30-day truce but offering to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul.
Initially, Zelenskyy and European leaders demanded a ceasefire first, and only then to move on to negotiations. However, a bit later, the Ukrainian president announced that he would be in Istanbul on Friday and would be waiting for Putin in person.
US special representatives Keith Kellogg and Steve Witkoff will attend the meeting. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to be present, and if Putin visits, Trump himself may attend the meeting.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak stated yesterday that if Putin does not come to Türkiye, it will be the final signal of Russia's unwillingness to end the war.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has stated that Russia continues preparing for negotiations in Istanbul, though it has not disclosed the composition of its delegation. Therefore, whether Putin will attend the meeting or not remains an open question.
