Zelenskyy’s Office urges new sanctions on Russia if Putin skips peace talks
Photo: Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine).
Russian leader Vladimir Putin's failure to attend talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul on May 15 should lead to new sanctions against Russia, stated the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Politico reports.
"If Putin will not come to Türkiye, it’s necessary immediately to start real, new packages of the sanctions, new pressure. Russia understands only the languages of strength, and anybody who thinks that it’s possible to find a compromise, Russia always uses to play games," Yermak said.
He said that Putin’s absence from the talks in Istanbul would undermine Russia’s claims about being serious regarding peace negotiations.
"If he will not come, he doesn’t want to end this war and is not ready for any negotiations," the head of the Presidential Office said.
Yermak also outlined Ukraine’s position, reiterating the country’s insistence on an "unconditional ceasefire" before negotiations can begin.
"It’s impossible to talk and discuss anything when you’re under attack, and when you are under attack of drones and rockets," he said.
Istanbul talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint proposal by Ukraine, the United States, and the Coalition of the Willing for a ceasefire beginning May 12.
Instead, he proposed resuming peace negotiations in Istanbul on May 15 - talks that were initially halted in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by confirming Kyiv’s readiness for dialogue but made clear that talks could only proceed if Russia agrees to the ceasefire starting May 12.
Zelenskyy later said he wanted direct talks with Putin.
It remains unclear who will represent Russia at the talks, as Putin has yet to respond to Zelenskyy’s proposal for a one-on-one meeting.
Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Presidential office, reiterated that Zelenskyy is willing to negotiate only with Putin, not with any other Kremlin representatives.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg warned that Washington and European allies could impose unprecedented sanctions on Moscow if it refuses to accept a ceasefire. The sanctions, he said, would be harsher than previously seen.
The European Union is also reportedly expecting Putin to attend the Istanbul meeting with Zelenskyy on May 15. Failure to appear, EU officials warned, would trigger additional sanctions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have also previously cautioned Putin about the consequences of ignoring the ceasefire proposal.
