Zelensky has announced possible steps towards a peaceful settlement: plans to speak with Putin about ceasefire and prisoner exchanges
Amid ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in eastern Ukraine and escalating diplomatic developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his intention to personally meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek ways to cease hostilities and address humanitarian issues through prisoner exchanges. His remarks were made in an interview with the popular publication Liberation, where the head of state discussed his position and potential scenarios for future negotiations. When asked whether he plans to meet with Putin in the near future, Zelensky confirmed that personal communication is crucial for making progress in the peace process. According to him, such a meeting would support the principle of a complete ceasefire – not necessarily a one-time event, but one that ends active hostilities, reduces tension, and creates more favorable conditions for further dialogue. Equally important is the topic of prisoner exchanges – Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine advocates for the “all for all” principle, meaning the exchange of all detainees without exclusions. The head of state underlined that achieving agreements requires the Ukrainian side to rely not only on their experience or diplomatic expertise but also on external mediators who can guarantee adherence to the agreed commitments. He highlighted the importance of objective, balanced, and mutually respectful mediation that recognizes the trust of both parties. Specifically, the president expressed confidence in the role of the United States as a potential guarantor of the monitoring mechanism and implementation of agreements. He noted that the presence of the American leader, including the possible visit of Donald Trump, could significantly enhance the chances of a successful outcome: “If Putin refuses to come, it will be a serious signal of defeat for him.” Zelensky openly called for strengthened sanctions pressure on Russia from the US and the European Union. He stated that the duration of the conflict remains the main unknown, but he is confident it will not last decades: “No one knows how long the fighting will continue, but definitely not ten years. Ukraine cannot withstand such a test. It is costly for everyone – friends and foes alike.” In his view, prolonged confrontation would only deepen the crisis and lead to even greater casualties. Earlier, Zelensky announced that on Thursday he plans to hold talks in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, he added that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin agrees to come to Istanbul for a meeting, he and Erdoğan will personally go to Moscow. According to the Ukrainian president, this would signal Russia’s readiness for peace negotiations, which is a very important step towards resolving the conflict. It is also known that American diplomats Steve Vitoff and Keith Kellogg are headed to Istanbul, where important negotiations between Ukraine and Russia may take place within a format that international mediators have tried to maintain. Meanwhile, the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that Putin’s refusal to come to Turkey would be the final signal of Moscow’s unwillingness to seek compromise and end the war. In the Kremlin, officials emphasize that Russia is still preparing for the scheduled negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, but no official comments regarding the results or details of these meetings have been made at this time. Still, political dynamics and diplomatic maneuvers remain tense, and many experts see the potential meeting as a key step toward de-escalating the conflict and finding a compromise.