President Zelensky urges Putin to demonstrate genuine leadership: no more “wandering” around the world in search of a “partner” for negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly expressed his opinion regarding the lack of real intentions by Vladimir Putin to meet for negotiations, emphasizing that Moscow should show true leadership and personally engage in dialogue with Ukraine. At a press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader stressed that failing to take this basic step is a sign not only of disrespect towards Ukraine but also towards official representatives of the United States and Turkey. “I believe that the leader of the Kremlin needs to take responsibility and show that he is a true leader. If he is interested in dialogue, then both sides should come together on equal terms, without unnecessary conditions and delays. Let’s create an opportunity for a meeting. We are currently in Ankara, and soon we are sending a delegation to Istanbul. But where is Putin himself? He’s not here, nor there. We cannot wander around the world in search of a ‘partner’ to hold talks. That’s exactly how disrespect is shown,” Zelensky said in his speech. The head of Ukraine emphasized that it is now the United States and Turkey that should feel disrespected by Russia’s ignoring of the diplomatic process. “There is no time or place for meetings, and no high-level delegations are present. This is personal disrespect. I am not saying that Russians respect us, but in response, Russia shows a lack of full respect towards others — particularly Erdogan and Trump. Trump, for example, sent a serious delegation, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken. And where is the Russian delegation? Just an assistant, Medinsky, while the strategic players — Russia and Ukraine — are left without equal participants in the negotiations. This is a sign of a not-serious attitude towards the process, the partners-mediator, and Turkey, which acts as a peacemaker,” Zelensky emphasized. The negotiation participant added that Ukraine is persistently expecting decisive sanctions from the global partners if Russia continues to evade meaningful steps toward ending the war. “We demonstrate maximum openness and readiness for dialogue but also call on everyone to be responsible. If Russia ignores potential sanctions, we will expect more decisive actions from the participating countries,” the president stated. Recall that Volodymyr Zelensky is currently in Turkey, where he is negotiating with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and representatives of the Kremlin. According to the Ukrainian leader, he arrived for high-level talks, but sources suggest that the composition of the Russian delegation, approved in Moscow on May 15, is unlikely to align with the spirit of constructive dialogue. Russia has formed a delegation led by Putin’s assistant Vladimir Medinsky, but Russian President Vladimir Putin himself will not participate in the negotiations in Istanbul. Ukraine has expressed readiness for a personal meeting with Putin on Thursday in Istanbul; however, no confirmation from Moscow’s official sources has been received regarding such a meeting. It is officially noted that Putin has approved the delegation for negotiations but will not participate himself. While diplomatic efforts remain uncertain, countries around the world are urging for increased activity in seeking pathways to peace through dialogue. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his readiness to arrive in Istanbul on Friday for talks with the international community on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This development adds momentum ahead of important diplomatic meetings and may accelerate the search for a compromise in the complex situation on the fronts and at the negotiation tables.