Will mediators take part in Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul? Zelenskyy responds
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
American and Turkish officials will also take part in the Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul, President Zelenskyy said at a press conference.
The head of state was asked whether mediators would participate in the meeting between Ukraine and Russia.
"The United States must be there, and the Turkish side as well," he emphasized.
The president also added that it is still unknown when exactly the negotiations will begin and how long they will last.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia is showing disrespect to all parties involved in the talks.
"There was a proposal for direct negotiations today in Türkiye. After that, there were only changes — that's what I see. That's why our team will be in Istanbul today. And just in case, they'll remain there tomorrow as well. So that, God forbid, if they start heading home, someone might suddenly return," he explained.
Incidentally, it was earlier reported that the United States sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as Presidential Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, to Istanbul.
Ukraine-Russia talks
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were scheduled for today, May 15, and were set to take place in Istanbul.
Russia did not send any high-ranking officials to the meeting. Instead, the delegation sent to Istanbul was led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian President.
In contrast, the Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
