Zelensky Stresses Only Meeting Putin in Turkey Amid War Negotiation Hurdles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that he will not engage in a meeting with any Russian representative other than President Vladimir Putin, according to Mikhailo Podolyak, a key advisor in the Office of the President of Ukraine. In an appearance on Ukrainian television this Tuesday, Podolyak confirmed this stance when questioned about the possibility of Zelensky meeting with a lower-ranking Russian official.
Podolyak emphasized that high-ranking Russian officials, including ministers, lack the authority to make pivotal decisions regarding the ongoing war. He underscored that only Putin holds the power to either advance the conflict or bring it to a halt.
Despite Putin's suggestion to initiate direct communications in Istanbul without the prerequisite of a declared 30-day ceasefire—an essential condition Ukraine and its European allies demand—Zelensky remains resolute in his position. The Kremlin leader has yet to respond to Zelensky's proposal for a face-to-face meeting on May 15, a potential landmark encounter as it would be the first between the two since the onset of the large-scale Russian invasion three years ago.
U.S. President Trump has expressed optimism regarding this meeting, even contemplating a trip to Turkey to witness the proceedings. Zelensky has embraced the idea of Trump's presence, engaging in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to lay the groundwork for this potential dialogue.
As the situation evolves, Zelensky has stated categorically that he would await Putin's arrival in Turkey, irrespective of Russia's hesitation to announce a ceasefire, which Ukraine deems vital for commencing substantive negotiations. The Russian military continues to make marginal territorial gains, resisting calls to disarm. The Kremlin maintains that certain prerequisites must be satisfied before agreeing to a prolonged ceasefire, including a halt to military support for Ukraine from its Western allies.
As tensions escalate and the war persists, communication between the two leaders could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict, but hurdles remain significant.
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