Without Putin, negotiations are meaningless, Kiev says

On Wednesday evening (14/5), Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he and his team had been discussing the format of the upcoming negotiations in Turkey, emphasizing the need to see who will represent Russia before determining Ukraine’s next steps.

“I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and only then will I decide Ukraine’s course of action,” the Ukrainian president remarked, expressing doubts about Moscow’s willingness to engage in de-escalation efforts.

Additionally, Zelensky referenced reports indicating that US President Donald Trump is contemplating attending the talks in Ankara, suggesting that his presence could significantly influence the process. “This week might truly change a lot. Everything is being settled right now,” he noted, leaving the possibilities for the discussions open-ended.

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Gratitude to Leaders and Nations Pressuring Russia

Zelensky expressed appreciation for leaders and nations exerting pressure on Russia to end the attacks and facilitate meaningful negotiations. “Russia is extending the war and its toll on lives. I am thankful to every country and leader calling on Moscow to halt the bombings in order to allow for substantive talks where real decisions can be made,” he highlighted, emphasizing the crucial role of international pressure in achieving lasting peace.

Watch the Ukrainian president’s message:

“No Presidential-Level Talks Without Putin,” Says Podolyak

Mikhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, expressed the Ukrainian position regarding the forthcoming talks in Istanbul, making it clear that presidential-level discussions will not occur if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not attend in person.

“If Putin is absent, there will certainly be no negotiations at the leaders’ level,” he stated in an interview with RBK-Ukraine.

Podolyak specified that the decision for the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the talks rests solely with Volodymyr Zelensky, who has indicated that without Putin, the discussions would be futile at the presidential level. “Only Zelensky can decide whether Ukraine will participate without Putin. However, in such a case, the talks will not happen at the level of heads of state,” the adviser reaffirmed.

He added that for any substantial decisions to be made, Putin’s physical presence at the talks is essential. “If we genuinely seek to arrive at significant decisions, then Putin must be there,” he insisted, reiterating that the Ukrainian side would not settle for a lower-level symbolic participation.