Ukrainian official: Zelenskyy to only negotiate with Putin in Istanbul

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will negotiate in Istanbul exclusively with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he is the only person capable of ending the war, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mikhail Podolyak said. 

Speaking on May 13, Podolyak emphasised that any meaningful peace negotiations must involve Putin personally, as other Russian officials lack the authority to make decisive concessions or agreements, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

“It's not the president's format. Moreover, Medinsky [Russian presidential aide -ed.] has a status that is not quite clear. It is unlikely that this person will be able to solve fundamental issues. Knowing the system of power in Russia, we should understand that even ministers like Lavrov are hardly authorised to make certain decisions that are Putin's own fix-it ideas,” the Ukrainian official noted. 

Podolyak stated unequivocally that "the decision to stop or continue the war can only be made by Putin," adding that all other Russian representatives are merely symbolic participants without the ability to effect real change.

He also noted that while President Zelenskyy has capable representatives for lower-level talks, there is currently no practical reason to involve them, as only a direct discussion with Putin can yield concrete results.

"There is a decision-maker on the Ukrainian side. President Trump has also indicated he may attend as a chief mediator. And there is a decision-maker on the Russian side. Everyone else is just a formal presence without productive action — it would only waste time," Podolyak concluded.

Putin and Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Türkiye, on May 15, 2025, for direct peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between their nations. This marks the first face-to-face negotiation attempt between the two leaders since the breakdown of earlier talks in 2022.

Putin proposed the meeting without preconditions, emphasising the need for a “long-term, lasting peace.” Ahead of the meeting, Ukraine and its Western allies urged Russia to commit to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire before any negotiations proceed. 

Türkiye has offered to host the negotiations and is committed to supporting the peace process and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli