Zelensky wants only Putin at Istanbul talks: ‘Useless meetings with other Russians’

Ukrainian president willing to meet Kremlin leader May 15, but rules out any talks with lower-ranking officials. Kiev warns, “If Putin doesn’t show up, it’s proof he doesn’t want peace.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that he will speak only with Vladimir Putin at the summit scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. This was made clear by presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, explaining that talks with other Russian representatives would be “useless,” since only the Kremlin chief has the power to decide on ending the war. “We will not meet with other Russian officials, not even high-level ones. It is not the format,” he said.

Zelensky formally invited Putin to the peace talks in Turkey, but no confirmation has yet come from Moscow about the Russian leader’s presence. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin will announce the members of the delegation “when the president sees fit,” merely confirming preparations for the talks.

If Putin defected from the meeting, Cabinet Chief Andriy Yermak warned, “it will be the ultimate signal that Russia does not want peace.” Yermak reiterated that Kiev is open to negotiations, but on the condition that an immediate ceasefire is reached.

Meanwhile, according to international media, Russia is reportedly preparing a delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and adviser Yuri Ushakov. But for Ukraine, these interlocutors would not be enough to unblock the situation.

Western diplomacy is also closely following developments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a clear warning to Moscow: without “real progress” in negotiations this week, the EU will proceed with a tightening of sanctions, hitting key sectors such as energy and finance. “The ball is in Russia’s court,” Merz said, urging Putin to accept Zelensky’s invitation.

On the military front, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of a new settlement in the Donetsk region, Miroliubovka, a day after it entered Kotliarovka. A move that testifies to how intense fighting continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The United States is also closely observing the situation: sources in the Trump administration have confirmed the presence of senior U.S. officials in Istanbul for the talks, while it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will attend, saying he is “waiting for both leaders to be present.”

The Istanbul meeting thus promises to be a decisive test of whether there is concrete scope for a ceasefire or whether the conflict will remain pinned down to the logic of arms.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)