Ukraine has outlined its demands ahead of this week’s discussions, insisting that a ceasefire must be established beforehand and requiring the Russian president’s physical presence for talks to occur.
Ukraine made it clear that it won’t adopt Russia’s agenda for the ongoing war in negotiations scheduled this week in Istanbul. Andri Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, emphasized the necessity of the Russian president’s presence in meetings during a session on Tuesday.
Yermak stated, “Ukraine is open to all negotiation formats with Russia, but a ceasefire is essential.” According to Ukrainian media, negotiating while under attack from Russian missiles and drones is impossible. Thus, establishing a ceasefire is an important prerequisite.
He also confirmed President Zelensky’s willingness to be “in Turkey,” as Zelensky was near last week.
Regarding the requirement for Putin’s attendance and the implicit warning of withdrawing if he doesn’t agree, Yermak reiterated the need for negotiation.
These sentiments were echoed by Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, who argued that in a system like Russia’s, the power truly resides with Putin. He remarked, “Only Putin has the authority to decide the war’s fate… It’s evident to anyone in a formal government role that major decisions aren’t made without him.”
If Russia demonstrates a lack of genuine interest in peace, Crane has long suggested that engagement in Moscow’s discussions has often been half-hearted, aimed more at distracting other partners. Yermak mentioned that global support for Ukraine through military aid should continue.
Following these comments, a senior advisor to US President Steve Witkov spoke to Breitbart News, suggesting that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin could be crucial for ending the violence in Ukraine. He expressed, “I think Russians seek peaceful reconciliation; both sides are trying to grasp what that means. Our role is to facilitate their discussion and emphasize that alternatives are detrimental for everyone.”
Regarding the significance of engaging with Putin despite some criticism, Witkov noted, “No agreement can be reached without Putin’s approval. He’s the leader of the Russian Federation, so the idea of not negotiating with him contradicts reason.”
President Trump, currently in the Middle East, is reportedly prepared to travel to Istanbul quickly if needed.
Witkov added that Trump has urged both Ukraine and Russia toward peace.
The Kremlin has yet to respond to inquiries about Putin’s attendance in Istanbul, but a spokesperson mentioned that Russia is progressing with preparations for the upcoming discussions and refrained from additional comments.
Spokesman Peskov reiterated familiar Russian claims that Ukraine has not honored previous ceasefires, highlighting that Putin’s unilateral announcements were “systematically violated” due to Ukraine’s actions. In turn, Ukraine has accused Russia of similar breaches.
