Zelensky says ceasefire talks in Türkiye can be held without Putin

The President made this announcement during a press conference following negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

"If an unconditional ceasefire can be achieved today at the level of technical groups, without leaders — no problem. A meeting is not necessary," Zelensky said.

According to him, all parties must demonstrate a willingness to negotiate. The first step should be a ceasefire.

"Look, the issue is that this is not the first time negotiations are taking place. Negotiations have happened in various formats. You've seen Saudi Arabia, you've seen several meetings — in London, in France… Meetings on various platforms. Today — it's Türkiye. It's very complicated. You know, in Saudi Arabia, there were slightly different formats," Zelensky noted.

The head of state pointed out that the Russian side was the first to propose a direct presidential-level meeting.

"The Russian Federation said in the media that Putin is ready for direct negotiations. I really responded immediately. He named a date — I said I would be there on that date. Then other information appeared, that it's not yet certain," Zelensky said.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky previously announced he would send a delegation led by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul for talks with the Russian delegation.