Russia will face consequences if Putin ignores talks in Istanbul - German Foreign Ministry
Photo: Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must attend negotiations with Ukraine scheduled for May 15 in Türkiye, if he is truly interested in peace. Otherwise, Moscow will face consequences, Tagesschau reports, citing German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
"Russia must not leave an empty chair there (in Istanbul - ed.). If it is truly interested in peace, it must show up," said the German Minister.
Wadephul added that if the Kremlin refuses the proposal for talks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there will be consequences. In particular, the German Minister stated that Berlin "will not allow Russia to simply continue this war."
Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called for tougher sanctions against Russia and greater support for Ukraine. Pistorius noted that Putin is "behaving as usual" regarding discussions on a ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Possible Russia–Ukraine talks in Istanbul
On the night of May 11, Vladimir Putin rejected a ceasefire proposal but expressed readiness for direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. In response, President Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's willingness to begin the negotiation process, emphasizing that the implementation of a ceasefire must be a precondition. This position is supported by Ukraine, the United States, and the Coalition of the Willing.
Later, Türkiye officially confirmed its readiness to act as a mediator in the planned negotiations.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg also emphasized that dialogue can only begin once a ceasefire is implemented.
