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Zelensky to Attend Ukraine Peace Talks Only if Putin Is Present
Ukrainian President Zelensky will only attend peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Putin joins. Trump’s envoys head to Turkey for discussions amid growing calls for a ceasefire.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-13
Zelensky to Attend Ukraine Peace Talks Only if Putin Is Present

As peace talks over the ongoing war in Ukraine take a crucial turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that he will not attend discussions in Istanbul this week unless Russian President Vladimir Putin is also present. This bold statement underscores Ukraine's stance that peace efforts must be led by those at the highest level of leadership.

Ukrainian Demands for Direct Talks with Putin:

In a statement made on Tuesday, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to President Zelensky, confirmed that the Ukrainian president would not meet with any Russian representative other than Putin. The talks, which are aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, will take place in Istanbul, where U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, are scheduled to participate.

Despite Trump offering to attend the talks himself if necessary, it remains unclear whether Putin will be present at the table. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that a decision on Putin's attendance would be announced when the president sees fit.

The Growing Ceasefire Stalemate:

The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. Both Moscow and Kyiv have expressed interest in peace, but a clear path forward remains elusive.

Over the weekend, President Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine, but Zelensky has made it clear that a ceasefire must come first. Ukraine, supported by European allies, insists that discussions on peace can only proceed once hostilities have been halted.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, stated that the president’s willingness to travel to Turkey signals Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations, but reiterated that Ukraine’s stance is firm: “Ceasefire first.”

Russia’s Position:

While Russia has shown some willingness to negotiate, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed skepticism about Kyiv's commitment to the talks. Moscow has emphasized the need for recognition of what it calls “new territories” that Russia has claimed, a reference to areas of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces.

Trump’s Role and U.S. Support for Ceasefire:

The U.S. has expressed hopes that a comprehensive ceasefire can be agreed upon, with talks focusing on a 30-day ceasefire across land, air, sea, and critical infrastructure. European nations have also backed this initiative, with a strong warning that further sanctions will be imposed on Russia if it does not agree to this ceasefire.

Zelensky and his team have consistently called for a ceasefire before entering into any formal peace talks, and European powers have echoed that sentiment, hoping to pave the way for lasting negotiations.

Looking Ahead:

The outcome of the Istanbul talks could be a turning point in the ongoing conflict. As both Russia and Ukraine await Putin’s decision on whether he will join the talks, the international community watches closely, hoping that the long-sought peace will soon be within reach.

 
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