Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed that the recent ban on negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin does not apply to him.
Despite rising international calls for peace talks, Zelensky emphasized that he alone holds the constitutional authority to represent Ukraine in any discussions with foreign leaders, including Putin.
Zelensky Remains Open to Talks, But on His Terms
Zelensky made it clear that, while negotiations with Russia are currently restricted for others, he remains the sole figure with the power to engage in talks.
This statement underlined his stance that any negotiations must be carefully managed, and only he can lead such conversations on behalf of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his willingness to meet Putin, signaling that he is open to dialogue if the right conditions are met.
Waiting for Putin in Turkey
Further elaborating on his position, Zelensky stated that he is ready to welcome the Russian president to Turkey, where a potential peace summit could take place.
The location in Istanbul, a city renowned for bridging Europe and Asia, holds significant symbolic weight as a neutral ground for international negotiations.
Zelensky’s comments come amid growing international hopes for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ceasefire Proposal and its Challenges
Earlier, Zelensky proposed a 30-day ceasefire as an opportunity for dialogue, though he acknowledged that it would not be enough for either side to fully recover.
The Ukrainian president rejected Russia’s condition of halting military aid to Ukraine during any ceasefire, calling it “dead” and unhelpful.
He also made it clear that restricting Western weapons from reaching Ukraine would not be effective in achieving peace.
International Perspectives on Peace Talks
In a related development, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, expressed hope that Russian President Putin would attend the proposed peace summit in Istanbul.
“We’re hoping President Putin shows up as well, and then President Trump will be there.
This could be an absolutely incredible meeting,” Kellogg shared during an appearance on Fox Business, suggesting that a summit involving both Putin and Trump could pave the way for meaningful peace discussions.
Istanbul: A Symbolic Location for Peace Talks
Istanbul, with its unique position straddling two continents, represents a powerful symbol for the potential of cross-border diplomacy.
As Turkey’s largest city, it serves as the nation’s economic, cultural, and historic heart.
With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul is not only the most populous city in Turkey but also ranks as the 17th most populous city globally, making it an ideal backdrop for such a significant diplomatic gathering.