13.05.2025 17:00
Ukrainian President Zelensky, speaking about the negotiations expected to take place in Istanbul with Russia on Thursday, May 15, stated that they have invited U.S. President Trump to the meeting but have not yet received confirmation of his attendance. Additionally, Zelensky mentioned that he would first meet with President Erdoğan in Ankara and would proceed to Istanbul if Putin comes there.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made statements to reporters regarding the negotiations expected to take place with Russia in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15.
"PUTIN IS AFRAID TO MEET"
According to Reuters, Zelensky accused Putin of being 'afraid' to meet with him, stating that if the talks do not take place, he expects the United States and the European Union (EU) to impose 'strict sanctions', and that the failure of the meeting would indicate that Russia is not ready for diplomacy.
"THE ONLY WAY TO END THE WAR IS TO MEET DIRECTLY WITH PUTIN"
Zelensky said, "Everything in Russia absolutely depends on Putin," emphasizing that the only way to secure a ceasefire and end the war is to meet directly with Putin. The Ukrainian leader added, "If he takes the step to say he is ready for a ceasefire, it will open the way for discussions on all elements to end the war."
FIRST, HE WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN
Additionally, Zelensky stated that he will first meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Thursday, and if Putin comes to Istanbul, he will proceed there.
"WE INVITED TRUMP"
Moreover, Zelensky added that he has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to the meeting in Istanbul, but his participation has not yet been confirmed.
TRUMP SAID, "I CAN FLY TO ISTANBUL"
Trump stated in a statement yesterday that he believes positive results will come from the meetings in Istanbul, saying, "I don't know where I will be at that moment. I will be somewhere in the Middle East, but if I think it will be helpful, I can fly there (to Istanbul)."