Talks in Istanbul, Zelensky: The Russians tried to intimidate us!

The Ukrainian negotiating team has given an update on talks that took place last Friday in Istanbul with the Russian negotiating team, to end the 3-year war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president stressed that his country remains ready to respect a 30-day ceasefire, made it clear that he is not afraid to meet with Vladimir Putin at any time , and gave the order to form a negotiating team with a stable composition.

"I held a meeting regarding our diplomatic efforts to end the war and establish a real and lasting peace. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov briefed on the work of our delegation and the negotiation process in Turkey. The meetings that took place on May 15 and 16 demonstrated to the world both our commitment to peace and the need to put pressure on Russia to end the war," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky : In fact, the most important result of these meetings was the agreement on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. Our team is currently working on the details of this exchange. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort. 

Rustem Umerov, head of the delegation in Turkey, spoke about the specific details of the talks with the Russians. The Ukrainian delegation managed to hold the talks in a dignified atmosphere. All Russian attempts at intimidation were rejected. Ukraine insists on the need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire in order to save lives and lay the necessary foundations for diplomacy.

The ceasefire should be long enough and include the possibility of extension. Our proposal, which is also shared by our partners, is for a 30-day period, we are ready for that. We are also ready for a meeting at the leadership level to resolve the core issues.

"Ukraine is not afraid of direct talks with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership does not prolong the war further," Zelensky continued.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, and the Chief of Staff of the President, Andriy Yermak, informed about the meetings and contacts with representatives of the United States and European partners, specifically representatives from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland and Turkey. Andriy Yermak presented the positions of the main countries.

We are coordinating with our partners almost every day. I am grateful for the support. I have ordered the creation of a permanent and expanded national negotiating team.