Zelenskyy to speak with Erdoğan about possible Ukraine-Russia meeting in Istanbul
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold a phone conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the evening of May 30. The two leaders are expected to discuss a potential meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, according to the President.
"Today, a conversation with President Erdoğan of Türkiye is also scheduled. We're trying to add real substance to the possible meeting," Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that not a single day should be wasted, because every day Russia undermines diplomacy is a day that costs human lives.
Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul
On May 16, the first round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives took place in Türkiye.
Following the talks, both delegations agreed to prepare written proposals outlining the terms for a possible ceasefire. However, Russia has so far delayed submitting its memorandum.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Russia is doing everything possible to prolong the war and sabotage the negotiations, which is why it continues to delay providing the document.
Recently, Russia proposed holding a second round of talks on June 2 in Istanbul. Ukraine is ready for the next negotiations but insists on receiving Russia’s memorandum on the potential ceasefire ahead of the meeting.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Russia must provide this memorandum before the second round so that the upcoming talks can be substantive and meaningful.
According to Zelenskyy, for the next meeting in Istanbul to be productive, the agenda must be clear and the parties must be properly prepared. However, he said, Russia is doing everything it can to make the talks fruitless.
