Conversations in Istanbul. Zelanski wants to discuss with Putin a suspension of weapons and exchange of prisoners
According to the Ukrainian leader, it will not be possible to reach an agreement on all issues. “But we must somehow find the format of the end of this war,” he emphasized.
Zelenski pointed out that “Russians will not trust” Ukrainians, and Ukrainians “will not trust the Russians”, therefore only External mediators can guarantee compliance with agreements between the parties. In his opinion, the United States can play the role of such a reliable broker, because both Kiev and Moscow treat Washington seriously.
Zelanski also noted that the presence of US President Donald Trump in Istanbul would encourage Russian President to take part in conversations. “If Putin does not come, it will look like his complete failure,” he said. The White House announced, however, that the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg would go to Istanbul. Despite earlier announcements, Trump will not fly to Turkey.
In response to the US and EU countries, Putin proposed direct conversations with Ukraine in Istanbul for a 30-day suspension of weapons. Trump called Kyiv to agree to this to give peace a chance. In response to the appeal of the American president, Zelanski stated that he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey in person.
The Kremlin still has not disclosed the composition of the Russian delegation, which will take part in negotiations. On Tuesday, May 13, there were a high -ranking Kremlin clerk informed “Washington Post” that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and adviser to the President of Russia Jurij Ruszakov.
