Zelenskyy ready for Istanbul talks as Intelligence Chief explains Ukraine's talks goals
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready for direct negotiations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Türkiye. Ukraine needs a ceasefire to save human lives, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
In particular, Budanov believes that the position of the Ukrainian President, who declared his readiness to immediately meet with the Russian dictator to personally discuss a possible truce, is absolutely correct.
In the opinion of the Intelligence Chief, Zelenskyy is thus demonstrating a sincere desire and readiness to end the war.
"We need an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, first and foremost, to save the lives of our people. I do not doubt that Volodymyr Zelensky is fully prepared for such a meeting, and in cooperation with our partners, we can achieve the desired result," Budanov said.
Possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed to resume direct talks in Istanbul after Ukraine's allies gave him a deadline to agree to a truce. European countries warned Moscow that sanctions would follow if it refused to establish a ceasefire.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for dialogue, but only after a complete ceasefire. Zelenskyy later stated that he is ready to meet Putin in person in Türkiye on May 15.
Zelenskyy announced he would travel to Türkiye for the meeting with the dictator. However, Moscow has not yet officially confirmed Putin's participation. The President of Ukraine noted that at the negotiations with the Russian dictator, he would talk about a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
US President Donald Trump did not rule out that he might also fly to Türkiye. According to preliminary media reports, White House Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will travel there on behalf of Washington.
