Zelenskyy again invites Putin to meet face-to-face after talks in Türkiye
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with other officials regarding the recent negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy also issued new instructions concerning the talks, the official Telegram channel of the Ukrainian President reports.
During the meeting, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported to Zelenskyy on the work of the Ukrainian delegation and the negotiation process in Türkiye.
"The meetings on May 15–16 showed the world both our commitment to advancing peace and, at the same time, the necessity of pressuring Russia in order to stop the war," Zelenskyy stated.
In his opinion, the biggest result of these negotiations was the agreement on a prisoner exchange "in a 1,000-for-1,000 format." Currently, the Ukrainian side is working out the details of the exchange.
Details of negotiations
As Head of the delegation in Türkiye, Umerov reported to Zelenskyy on specific details of the conversation with the Russians.
"The Ukrainian delegation succeeded in keeping the talks in a dignified manner. All Russian attempts to issue threats were rejected. Ukraine insists on the need for a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to save human lives and to establish the necessary foundation for diplomacy," the statement says.
According to Zelenskyy, such a ceasefire must be long enough and with the possibility of extension. Ukraine's position is coordinated with its partners - a 30-day truce.
"We are ready for this. We are also prepared for a meeting at the level of leaders to solve the key issues. Ukraine is not afraid of direct talks with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership not prolong the war," the Ukrainian President emphasized.
Support from partners
During the meeting, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriii Sybiha and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak reported on meetings and contacts with representatives of the United States and European partners, including representatives from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Türkiye.
In particular, Yermak presented the positions of key countries.
"We are coordinating with our partners on an almost daily basis. I am grateful for the support. I have given instructions to form a permanent, expanded national negotiation group," Zelenskyy concluded.
Negotiations in Istanbul
On Friday, May 16, negotiations took place in Istanbul regarding the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia. Following the meeting, the Russian side put forward a number of tough demands, particularly regarding territorial concessions.
For more details on all the intricacies of the Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul, read our analytical article.
