Trump's potential presence in Istanbul may shift Russia talks

• Negotiations in Istanbul: Following Ukrainian-Russian talks, a prisoner exchange was announced on a ratio of one thousand for one thousand. However, the main goal, which was a ceasefire, was not achieved.
• Advisor to the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak believes that Russia is not interested in genuine peace negotiations.
• The role of the USA: The United States, despite dissatisfaction with the progress of the talks, continues to push for the resumption of the negotiation process.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the President of Ukraine, suggested that if Donald Trump appeared in Istanbul, Vladimir Putin would also have to come to the talks. Podolyak believes that Trump's presence could compel Putin to make specific commitments, such as a ceasefire.

"If he agreed to a ceasefire, he would have to adhere to it. Breaking such agreements would cost him dearly. Putin was aware of this, which is why he remained in Moscow," assessed Podolyak.

Podolyak emphasizes that Russia is not interested in genuine negotiations but is merely playing for time. "Putin does not intend to stop the war," the advisor states.

Millions of people in Russia earn from the war with Ukraine. Putin has directly involved about 2 to 3 million people in the war with us, and another 10 million Russians support this war from behind the scenes. Today, the war is Putin's only offer to Russians - there is no alternative. Stopping the war could turn the situation in Russia upside down, he explains.

Despite difficulties, Ukraine continues negotiations because its partners, including the USA, are pressing for it. Podolyak notes that real negotiations can only start after a ceasefire. We need to play as one team because we realize that without the support of Europe and the USA, we cannot handle this war," he added.