President Volodymyr Zelensky will not meet with anyone from the Russian side in Istanbul except for Russian President Vladimir Putin, one of Zelensky’s senior advisers said Tuesday, May 13.
Speaking on The Breakfast Show, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said that lower-level talks would not be meaningful.
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“The president will not meet, especially if it’s someone like [Russian envoy Vladimir] Medinsky. Their status is unclear,” Podolyak said.
“We understand how Russia’s government works. Even ministers or Prime Minister [Mikhail] Mishustin likely don’t have the power to make decisions. Only Putin can decide whether to continue or end the war.”
Podolyak said that if there is no top-level Russian participation in Istanbul, it would mean Moscow is not ready for a ceasefire or real talks. However, he added that if Putin does come, Ukraine would adjust its legal stance to allow direct talks, despite a 2022 ban on negotiating with him.
“If Putin doesn’t show up, lower-level talks might happen, but they won’t solve any major issues,” he said.
In October 2022, Zelensky signed a decree banning talks with Putin following a decision by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. Russia has repeatedly said this ban “blocks serious negotiations.”
Zelensky later clarified that the ban only applies to other Ukrainian functionaries – he retains the right to do so as the head of state.
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On May 10, leaders from the UK, Germany, France and Poland met Zelensky in Kyiv, urging Russia to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire by Monday or face further sanctions.
On Sunday, May 11, Putin invited Ukraine to restart 2022’s peace talks in Istanbul on May 15. Zelensky responded that Ukraine expects a full and lasting ceasefire by May 12 and is ready to meet Putin in person.
On Monday, May 12, Zelensky reiterated his readiness for direct talks with Putin but said Moscow had not responded.
Moscow also did not comply with the ceasefire deadline and continued its attacks across Ukraine.
Responding on Monday to growing pressure, the Kremlin said: “This language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia. It doesn’t work. You can’t talk to Russia like that.”
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