Zelensky: Ukraine will insist on unconditional ceasefire in Istanbul

This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during his opening statement at the summit in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports citing a TV broadcast.

"I will also add that the Ukrainian delegation is now in Istanbul. I had a conversation with my Minister of Defense. He said they are preparing for the meeting. I'm not sure that Russia will be ready for any productive conversation, but we will insist on an unconditional ceasefire, discussion of humanitarian issues, return of children, and exchange of prisoners," he said.

Zelensky noted that they would also talk about civilian prisoners, journalists, and political prisoners.

"It is very important for us to bring them home. This is the most important thing," he emphasized.

"We must do everything to ensure that diplomacy is not hollow. Our delegation is now in Istanbul, and we are ready to take all the necessary steps towards peace. The first one is humanitarian actions: the release of children and prisoners of war. All this can be done at the level of leaders. If Russia undermines this initial agenda, and if Istanbul has no results, it clearly means that we urgently need the 18th package of EU and US sanctions. Sanctions against Russia should focus on oil prices, as well as the banking and financial sectors," Zelensky said.

As Ukrinform reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Vilnius for the summit of the Bucharest Nine and the Nordic countries.

The second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will take place in Istanbul today. The meeting of the delegation is scheduled for 13:00 at Çiragan Palace.

The first round of talks took place in Istanbul on May 16. In particular, it was agreed to exchange 1000 prisoners for 1000 people.

Photo: Elta