Zelensky Almost Abandoned Talks in Istanbul: the U
S. and Europe Convinced Him to Return to the Negotiation Table After prolonged negotiations and diplomatic consultations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was compelled to agree to participate in upcoming talks with Russia in Istanbul, scheduled for May 15. Sources close to high diplomatic circles confirm this information, citing the American publication The Washington Post, which is relying on data obtained from two unnamed diplomats. According to “European Pravda” and sources from diplomatic circles, the situation surrounding the potential negotiations in Turkey had become so tense that Zelensky was even prepared to abandon the idea of holding them. One senior official stated that the Ukrainian leader was very disappointed with how events were unfolding and expressed intentions not even to allow the Ukrainian delegation to meet with Russian representatives in Istanbul. “Zelensky saw no point in the trip,” an anonymous source told The Washington Post. However, the Americans and European colleagues actively persuaded the Ukrainian side of the importance of this diplomatic step. Specifically, American and European diplomats privately emphasized that it was vital for Ukraine to have high-level representatives present in the Turkish city. In this context, the participation of Office of the President head Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was highlighted, who were supposed to attend the negotiations. A key figure in this process was U.S. President’s envoy Steve Vítkoff, who convinced Ukrainian colleagues that participating in direct talks with Russia would be mutually beneficial. “If the Ukrainian delegation is present, but the Russian one is not, this could have serious consequences for Moscow. And if both sides sit at the negotiation table — this might bring closer the long-awaited ceasefire,” sources said. On the other hand, one Ukrainian official, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized that Zelensky still insists on meeting with Vladimir Putin directly in Turkey. “Why just with Putin? Because a serious conversation about ending the war and stopping the killings must take place with those who make key decisions in the Kremlin,” the interlocutor explained. It is noted that on the eve, the Ukrainian leader announced a planned meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdoğan in Ankara on Thursday. However, he emphasized: if Vladimir Putin agrees to fly to Istanbul and hold negotiations there, then the Kremlin chief, along with the Turkish leader, will come directly to the Turkish capital. Many experts believe this would significantly change the format and prospects of the negotiation process. Meanwhile, official statements and remarks at the highest levels add some uncertainty. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the possibility of Putin’s participation in upcoming negotiations in Turkey, noting that he currently has no precise information whether Putin will appear at the negotiating table. This underscores the unpredictability and complexity of diplomatic steps in this conflict, as well as the importance of any decision in achieving peace. Thus, although Zelensky was initially inclined to refrain from negotiations in Turkey, under pressure from Western partners and diplomatic persuasion, he ultimately agreed to participate. The outcome of this diplomatic move will influence the further course of the conflict, as well as the potential achievement of long-awaited peace and stability in Ukraine.