Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Libération that the main topics at the negotiations in Istanbul should be a complete ceasefire and the exchange of all prisoners.

Axar.az informs according to him, sustainable agreements require mediation by third parties, since “Russians will not trust Ukrainians, and Ukrainians will not trust Russians.” Zelensky believes that only external guarantors, including the United States, can ensure the implementation of the agreements.

The President of Ukraine stated that he is ready to travel to Turkiye for talks, even if a ceasefire is not achieved by May 15. He emphasized that he will make every effort to initiate a dialogue that could lead to an end to the conflict.

Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier proposed to start direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions.