Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that a proposed meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin might be unnecessary if a ceasefire agreement emerges from ongoing technical talks in Istanbul.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s delegation as “decorative” and said Ukraine would evaluate next steps after his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan. He also stated that if Moscow fails to demonstrate genuine interest in ceasefire talks, other countries should increase political and economic pressure on Russia through additional sanctions.
“Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,” Zelenskyy said. “If there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions, we ask for appropriate sanctions.”
Putin declined to attend the talks in Istanbul, instead sending a lower-level team of aides and deputy ministers. Russia confirmed its delegation was in the city and ready for “serious work,” but accused Ukraine of turning the negotiations into political theater.
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine would send a delegation to Istanbul for talks, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Turkish President Erdoğan told Zelenskyy he believed the war must end through direct negotiations between the two sides
U.S. President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One during a Gulf tour, downplayed the potential for progress without his direct involvement. “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” Trump said before landing in Dubai, casting further doubt on the Istanbul talks.
Asked whether Putin might eventually join the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was “too early to say,” but emphasized Russia’s delegation was “ready and waiting in Istanbul.”
