Zelenskyy on talks in Istanbul: Waiting to see who represents Russia to determine next steps
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine will decide on its next steps regarding the negotiations in Istanbul after the Russian Federation reveals the composition of its delegation, states President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his evening address.
Zelenskyy said that he held a series of meetings today with his team regarding the format of the negotiations in Türkiye. According to him, he is waiting to see the composition of the Russian delegation and will then determine what steps Ukraine should take.
"The signals from them in the media are still unconvincing. But we also hear that President Trump is considering the possibility of being in Türkiye. So this could become the strongest argument. A week can really change a lot, but it might not… Right now, everything is being decided," Zelenskyy said.
He once again emphasized that the cessation of hostilities currently depends on Russia.
"Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations, and we are not afraid of meetings. Tomorrow — in Türkiye," the president stated.
Peace negotiations in Istanbul
Following the end of the three-day ceasefire announced by Vladimir Putin (May 8–11), Ukraine, together with the countries of the Coalition of the Willing, put forward a demand: starting May 12, a complete ceasefire for a period of 30 days. In case of refusal, the European Union threatened to impose new, harsh sanctions against Russia.
In response, Putin stated that Moscow does not accept ultimatums and instead proposed to resume peace talks on May 15 in Istanbul. Türkiye agreed to act as a mediator in this process.
Western media have reported that Zelenskyy allegedly agreed to the talks in Istanbul because he did not want to offend US President Donald Trump. He also stated that he is ready for direct negotiations with Putin. However, Putin has not yet responded as to whether he is personally willing to attend the talks in Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Trump today again teased "pretty good" news regarding an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
"I think we're having some pretty good news coming out of there today and maybe tomorrow, and maybe Friday," Trump said.
Everything known about the possible negotiations in Türkiye — in the RBC-Ukraine material.
