'This will be final point': Zelenskyy warns of consequences if Putin refuses Istanbul meeting
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
The Istanbul meeting will be decisive in determining a ceasefire: if it does not take place, it will signal that Russia is not interested in ending the war. In that case, the West must act decisively and impose the strongest possible sanctions package, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a press conference.
"I believe this would mean there will be no result in any format — the result of meetings or anything else. The issue of a ceasefire has already progressed significantly. Ukraine has supported all signals, all proposals, and any initiatives that were suggested by different parties - the United States, European countries, and others," Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine has shown complete constructiveness and made it clear that it wants to end the war. The next step is Russia's.
"In my view, if Putin doesn’t come and instead continues playing games, it will be the final proof that they are not ready to end the war. And that means all promises - clear and sober promises from the US, Europe, and other world leaders - must be fulfilled. Otherwise, you will not force Russia to take steps toward any form of de-escalation," he stated.
Sanctions from the US
Zelenskyy emphasized that he expects a strong sanctions package from the United States against Russia if the Istanbul negotiations fail due to the unwillingness of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"These sanctions would not be for aggression, not for occupation. There are already a million compromises. Sanctions for not wanting even a ceasefire. It must be the toughest package of sanctions, because this is about the will to end the war, or not. It would be a clear signal that they don’t want peace and don’t intend to end the war. Or, on the contrary, they will demonstrate that they are not only serious with nuclear weapons, but also capable of doing something without them,” the President said.
Sanctions from Europe
Zelenskyy also said he expects a strong sanctions package against Russia from Europe. And if Europe can combine its measures with strong steps from the United States, Ukraine would be deeply grateful.
"I believe this month, mid or maybe later, we expect this issue to be discussed during the leaders’ summit, and that a strong package will be adopted. Frankly, I would like the package to be at least on the same level as the current proposal in the US Congress - a proposal for tough sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. That’s a strong package,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that this is important not just for the sake of a new package of sanctions, but for the sake of really strong measures that will affect the Russian economy.
Sanctions against Russia
As Bloomberg reported, the Trump administration has already prepared options to increase economic pressure on Russia and is awaiting a green light from the President.
In early May, US Senator Lindsey Graham announced that he has bipartisan support for a bill introducing new "bone-crushing" sanctions on Russia. These include a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium.
Meanwhile, France emphasized yesterday that the EU is preparing a new round of sweeping sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and financial sectors, but now everything depends on Putin and the outcome of the talks in Istanbul.
