Zelenskyy was ready to cancel Istanbul talks if Putin didn’t show – WP
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was ready to cancel peace talks in Istanbul if Russian leader Vladimir Putin failed to attend. However, Western partners persuaded the Ukrainian President not to rule out the negotiations, The Washington Post reports.
According to the outlet, both Europe and the United States support potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Türkiye. Discussions about the meeting took place during the two-day NATO foreign ministers' summit that began Wednesday in Antalya.
Western allies believe the Istanbul meetings could lead to the first meaningful breakthrough in stalled negotiations. However, Russia However, Russia has not yet confirmed or announced who will represent its side in Türkiye, which, according to the outlet, is causing growing frustration in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy was ready to refuse
As The Washington Post writes, Zelenskyy was on the verge of pulling out of the talks after he became frustrated with the chaos surrounding the meeting. The Ukrainian President reportedly said he would not authorize his delegation to negotiate with the Russian side in Türkiye.
"Zelensky didn’t see the point in going at all," one diplomat told the outlet.
Sure option for Ukraine
US and European officials reportedly persuaded President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to cancel the talks. Western allies insisted that Ukraine should at least send the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, despite Zelenskyy's resistance.
Even US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff urged the Ukrainian side to participate, calling the talks a win-win scenario. He argued that if Ukrainians show up and the Russians don't, Moscow will take the blame. And if both sides attend, there may be a real chance for a ceasefire.
However, Ukraine has not yet officially confirmed who will be part of its delegation to Istanbul.
Istanbul talks
Putin proposed holding peace negotiations on May 15 in Istanbul, suggesting they resume from where they left off in 2022. Türkiye agreed to serve as a mediator in the process.
Zelenskyy agreed to the talks in Istanbul, though he emphasized that a ceasefire must come first for negotiations to proceed.
He later said he was ready for direct talks with Putin. However, the Russian leader hasn't responded or confirmed whether he will personally attend the talks in Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have stated they will not disclose the composition of their delegation without a direct order from Putin.
Read more about the potential talks in Türkiye in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
