Putin fears direct negotiations: Zelensky stated his readiness to meet in any city of Turkey.

Zelensky's meeting with Erdogan and possible negotiations with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit Turkey on May 15 for negotiations with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Moreover, he does not rule out the possibility of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'So that Russia does not manipulate cities and says that Putin is not ready to fly to Ankara but is only ready to fly to Istanbul, I want to say right away: if Putin flies to Istanbul, rather than to the capital, the Turkish side is ready, that President Erdogan and I will fly to Istanbul.'

Zelensky expressed hope that during possible negotiations with Putin, it would be possible to reach agreements on a ceasefire. He also noted that China has sent signals of support for a temporary truce for a month.

'If he confirmed his participation, it would provide additional impetus for Putin to come.'

The President of Ukraine emphasized that engaging in dialogue with Putin is his right and duty, while criticizing such negotiations he called a part of the Russian narrative. The absence of the Russian leader at the meeting may indicate Moscow's unwillingness to seek paths to peace.

Prospects for negotiations

Zelensky's meeting with Erdogan and potential negotiations with Putin could be an important step in searching for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The involvement of the three leaders in dialogue may contribute to reducing tension and finding compromise solutions.