Trump’s presence in Istanbul will prompt Putin to be there too. If the Kremlin leader doesn’t show up — it will be a complete defeat for him, — Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the presence of U.S. leader Donald Trump in Istanbul could prompt Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to come there as well.

He said this in an interview with Liberation, as reported by Censor.NET.

“If Putin doesn’t show up, it will look like a complete defeat for him,” Zelensky noted.

Background

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready for meetings and negotiations in any format after a complete ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin rejected the “Coalition of the Willing’s” proposal for a ceasefire starting May 12 and instead suggested resuming direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Ukraine and Russia could begin peace talks, saying that such a day would be a great one for both countries.

On May 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he emphasized that Turkey is ready to do everything possible to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Later, President Trump urged Ukraine to accept the proposal to meet with Russia in Turkey.

Soon after, Zelensky made a statement regarding a ceasefire and negotiations with Russia.

Iryna Dashkivska

Tags: peace talks Politics trump Ukraine Vladimir Putin Volodymyr Zelenskyy