This week, there was a real chance to take important steps toward ending the war – if only Vladimir Putin hadn’t been afraid to come to Türkiye. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during his address at the plenary session of the sixth European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania.
The Head of State emphasized that he was ready to meet with Vladimir Putin in Ankara or Istanbul to resolve all key issues. Instead, however, Russia sent a low-level delegation to Türkiye – one that includes no individuals authorized to make decisions in Russia. Despite this, the President of Ukraine sent a Ukrainian team to the negotiations, headed by Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, to determine whether the Russians can actually decide anything.
“Our number one priority is a full, unconditional, and honest ceasefire. This must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy, first of all. And if the Russian representatives in Istanbul today cannot even agree to that – to ceasefire, to this clearly necessary first step – then it will be 100% clear that Putin continues to undermine diplomacy,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President emphasized that if the Russian delegation refuses to support an unconditional ceasefire, the international community must increase pressure on the Russian Federation.
“There needs to be a strong reaction, including sanctions against Russia’s energy sector and banks. Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made,” the Head of State noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is ready to take all realistic steps to end the war and called on Vladimir Putin to give his delegation real authority.
He also stated that one of the necessary trust-building steps in the negotiation process is the return of prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The President emphasized that it is also essential to clearly define which issues must be resolved at the leadership level.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he would continue to inform Ukraine’s partners throughout the day about the situation in Istanbul.
