President Zelenskyy agreed to attend talks on the condition that Putin himself would be present — setting the stage for a diplomatic standoff as both leaders appear keen to frame themselves as the true proponents of peace
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is open to “any format” of negotiations to end the war with Russia ahead of Thursday’s talks in Istanbul, but added that Ukraine’s approach will depend on who represents Russia at the meeting.
“Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations, and we are not afraid of meetings. Tomorrow – in Turkey,” AFP quoted Zelenskyy as saying during his daily address.
“I am waiting to see who will arrive from Russia. Then I will decide what steps Ukraine should take,” he added.
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The Kremlin has not yet announced its delegation for the talks.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin remained unconfirmed for what could be the first direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years, as the Kremlin on Wednesday declined to reveal who would represent Russia.
Putin on Sunday proposed holding talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday “without any preconditions,” but offered no clarity on the Russian delegation. His spokesperson provided no additional details when pressed on Wednesday.
Trump, earlier this week, called on Ukraine to attend the talks. President Zelenskyy agreed —on the condition that Putin himself would be present — setting the stage for a diplomatic standoff as both leaders appear keen to frame themselves as the true proponents of peace.
Trump said on Wednesday he himself was still considering whether to attend the talks in Turkey