Putin's refusal to attend talks in Istanbul means refusal to end war - Zelenskyy Office
Photo: Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Türkiye on May 15. The refusal of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to meet with the Ukrainian leader will mean Moscow’s refusal to end the war, according to the Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, during his online participation in a session of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2025.
As Yermak notes, it is impossible to conduct negotiations on establishing peace when the Ukrainian people are under terrorist attacks by Russians around the clock. Establishing a ceasefire regime is a necessary prerequisite.
He added that, at the moment, the Russians have not provided any response regarding the participation of dictator Putin in the negotiations in Türkiye.
"We have confirmed that President Zelenskyy is ready and will be in Türkiye. Yesterday, President Trump made a very strong and clear statement that he expects both leaders to be present in Türkiye. He is also considering a visit there. I believe that if Vladimir Putin refuses to come to Türkiye, it will be the final signal that Russia does not want to end this war – that Russia is neither willing nor ready for any negotiations," added the Head of the President’s Office.
Yermak noted that the refusal of Russia from negotiations will require a strong response from the United States of America (USA) and the entire world.
Possible negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
On the night of May 11, the President of Russia refused the proposal regarding a cessation of hostilities, while at the same time proposing to hold direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. In response to this, Zelenskyy stated his agreement to begin a dialogue with Russia; however, he emphasized that the key condition for this must be the establishment of a silent regime. This position was supported by Ukraine, the USA, and the "coalition of the willing."
Later, Türkiye confirmed its readiness to mediate in future negotiations.
In addition, the special representative of the President of the USA, Keith Kellogg, emphasized that beginning negotiations is only possible after introducing a ceasefire regime.
