Zelenskyy blasts Russia's silence on peace terms ahead of Istanbul talks
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that as of now, no one knows what the Russian representatives plan to bring to the next peace talks in Istanbul.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is currently preparing new diplomatic steps with partners in Europe and the US. The Ukrainian side is in daily contact with everyone "who can make diplomacy meaningful."
"As of now, there is no clear information about what exactly the Russians plan to bring to Istanbul. We don't have it, Türkiye doesn't have it, and neither do the United States or other partners. And at this point, it looks far from serious," the president said.
Zelenskyy added that he spoke yesterday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on this matter. He emphasized that everyone in the world wants diplomacy to work and a ceasefire to be reached in Ukraine.
"Everyone wants Russia to stop playing games with diplomacy and end the war. Everyone wants a serious peace, and Russia must agree to that. That should be the agenda of the meetings. We have already presented our agenda," Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine also expressed hope that the US "will be resolute on sanctions to help bring peace."
New round of peace talks scheduled in Istanbul
On May 16, direct talks took place in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia aimed at ending the war. During that meeting, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange on a 1,000-for-1,000 format, which has already been carried out. They also committed to presenting their proposals for a possible ceasefire.
Additionally, after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putin said Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum. This document would include, among other things, a ceasefire.
Earlier this week, the Russian side proposed holding a second round of talks in Istanbul on Monday, June 2.
Recently, it was reported that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had a phone conversation with Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul. Umerov later reported that Ukraine had sent Russia its draft document on a possible ceasefire. However, Moscow has yet to provide its own memorandum. Russia announced that the document would be presented at the meeting on Monday, June 2.
Yesterday, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President, said Ukraine is ready for the next round of talks with Russia. However, before the meeting, Ukraine wants to receive Moscow's memorandum on a possible ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy also commented on the situation. He said that for the next meeting not to be empty, the agenda must be clear, and proper preparation for the talks is necessary. According to him, Russia is doing everything possible to make the meeting pointless.
It is known that the Russian delegation for the upcoming talks will be the same as in the first round. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed this.
