Zelensky refuses to talk Turkey except with Putin

The Ukraine President will refuse to negotiate with anyone but Vladimir Putin in Turkey over ceasefire, an adviser has said, as Moscow refuses to confirm the Russian leader’s attendance.

Volodymyr Zelensky will only negotiate with Vladimir Putin in Istanbul. Picture: AFP.

President Zelensky will refuse to negotiate with anyone but President Putin in Turkey in potential talks to end the war in Ukraine, an adviser has said, as Moscow refuses to confirm the Russian leader’s attendance.

Mykhailo Podolyak told Russian opposition journalists that “only Putin can decide whether the war continues or ends”, ruling out talks with Russian ministers or negotiators.

“We understand how power is structured in Russia,” Podolyak said. “Even people with formal ministerial status or even someone like [the prime minister, Mikhail] Mishustin are unlikely to be authorised to make key decisions.”

Zelensky said Ukraine would “do everything” to ensure a summit with Putin took place in Istanbul and that he would also meet President Erdogan.

Zelensky urged Europe to enact its “strongest package of sanctions” against Moscow if Putin refused to meet in Turkey, a position backed by the chancellor of Germany.

Podolyak said that Kyiv would amend a law passed in 2022 banning direct talks with Putin if the Russian leader decided to participate.

The talks were proposed by Putin at the weekend, when Sir Keir Starmer and EU leaders travelled to Kyiv, but Ukraine said it would not attend unless Russia agreed to implement a 30-day ceasefire, a stance supported by European leaders. Zelensky changed tack after being urged by President Trump.

There have been no direct meetings between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators since 2022.

Turkey would not have to act on the arrest warrant for Putin over war crime charges as it is not a member of the International Criminal Court.

The Times