Marta Gichko09:43, 14.05.25

This step will demonstrate that Moscow does not actually want to seek peaceful ways to end the war, but is only stalling for time.

Yermak made a statement about the negotiations in Istanbul / photo by Alexander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Turkey even if dictator Vladimir Putin refuses direct negotiations. This will be a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow does not want peace, is not ready for serious negotiations. This was stated by the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, in an interview with  Le Monde.

“President Zelensky will visit Turkey on Thursday. He is a strong leader who always keeps his word. He will be ready regardless of the format of the negotiations. We do not know whether Vladimir Putin will be there. The Russians have not responded to us. Nevertheless, we continue to believe that the negotiations should begin with a complete and unconditional ceasefire,” Yermak said.

The head of the OP emphasized that Ukraine is ready for any format of dialogue, but there is a condition – a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine has already demonstrated openness and honesty, now it is Russia’s turn. 

Yermak added that it is impossible to negotiate when you are being attacked by missiles and drones. This approach was supported on Saturday, May 10, by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a historic meeting in Kyiv. 

“If Vladimir Putin does not go to Turkey, it will be a very clear signal to the whole world that he does not want to stop the war that he started, that he does not want peace or serious negotiations,” Yermak emphasizes.

He added that Donald Trump interprets this signal clearly. The American leader is considering the possibility of joining the talks in Istanbul. However, there has been no confirmation yet. 

“Let’s be frank. We do not trust Russia. Vladimir Putin personally decided to start this war, and he continues to kill our people, our children… But we want to end this conflict and are ready to accept any format of negotiations. Of course, it is impossible to end this war without the country that started it. But we also insist on the need for the United States and our European friends to participate in these discussions. These partners should not simply be witnesses to Moscow’s lies and pressure,” Yermak concluded.

(C)UNIAN 2025