Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga held a series of meetings with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, he confirmed on May 16. This is an important step ahead of the upcoming meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and the Russian delegation in Istanbul, which is crucial for the further development of diplomatic negotiations.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Preparation for Negotiations in Istanbul
According to Yermak, Ukrainian representatives met with U.S. President’s Special Representative Keith Kellogg, the British Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, the French President’s Diplomatic Adviser Emmanuel Bonne, and the German Chancellor’s Foreign Policy Adviser Günther Sauder. It is evident that there is significant attention from Western partners towards the negotiations, who are eager to support Ukraine and assist in finding a path to peace.
“We have coordinated positions ahead of the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. Ukraine is ready for peace and a lasting and unconditional ceasefire. We are also prepared for meetings and negotiations at the highest level,” Yermak stated.
The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that the priority for the Ukrainian delegation is to achieve an unconditional ceasefire. Another important issue is a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, according to Yermak, “for some reason did not come to Turkey.” This indicates the complexity and tension of the negotiation process; however, Ukraine is striving for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Expectations and Sentiments in the Negotiations
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that trilateral negotiations involving the delegations of Ukraine, the U.S., and Turkey had already begun in Istanbul, enhancing Ukraine’s diplomatic potential in seeking a peaceful solution. The head of the Russian delegation, Russian President’s Assistant Vladimir Medinsky, stated that Russian representatives would be waiting for the Ukrainian side from 10 a.m. on May 16. There was also information that the negotiations would begin on that day, highlighting the significance of this event for the further development of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already approved the composition of the delegation for direct negotiations with the Russian side, which includes 12 officials, including Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. This underscores the high level of political will to seek compromise and the desire for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.