If Russian President Vladimir Putin does not visit Turkey, it will be a sign of a lack of intention to end the war, believes President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stated this during a briefing that took place on May 13.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is demonstrating its readiness for negotiations and an end to hostilities in response to proposals from international partners. According to him, «(the likely – ed.) absence of Putin, more games – this is the final demonstration that Russia is not ready to end the conflict. Therefore, all sober and clear promises from the USA, Europe, and other world leaders must be fulfilled. Otherwise, Russia will not be compelled to take steps towards de-escalation, and sanctions will be imposed».
Reaction to Possible Absence and Sanction Prospects
Zelensky added that in the event of Putin’s absence, Ukraine expects a «strong package of sanctions against Russia from the USA». He reported that during a meeting on May 10 with Ukraine’s partners, an agreement was reached on the necessity of imposing sanctions against Russia in case of refusal to comply with a 30-day ceasefire, particularly in the energy and banking sectors of the Russian Federation.
Russian representatives in Moscow have called for direct negotiations instead of an unconditional ceasefire. The President suggested that the Kremlin expected Ukraine not to support such a position.
Future Negotiations and the Possibility of a Personal Meeting
Zelensky announced a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on May 15.
“So that Russia does not manipulate cities and say that Putin is not ready to fly to Ankara, but only to Istanbul – I want to say right away: if Putin flies to Istanbul instead of the capital – I have sent a signal to President Erdoğan, and the Turkish side is ready for us to fly to Istanbul with President Erdoğan. In any case, we will do everything to ensure that this meeting takes place if Putin is indeed ready to meet not only in the media but also in real life”.
Zelensky emphasized that negotiations must take place at the leadership level, as the issue of a ceasefire personally depends on Putin. He also noted that he invited US President Donald Trump to join the negotiations, as his participation could stimulate Russia to take more active steps.
Earlier, Dmitry Peskov reported that the Kremlin would determine the composition of the Russian delegation for negotiations as soon as Putin deems it necessary. After Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, Putin suggested holding negotiations in Istanbul on May 15. In response, Zelensky stated that he would come to Turkey only for a personal meeting with Putin. American President Donald Trump called for direct negotiations and does not rule out his personal participation in the meeting in Istanbul.