NewsUkraine open to direct ceasefire talks with Putin only

Ukraine open to direct ceasefire talks with Putin only

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is prepared to discuss a ceasefire exclusively with Vladimir Putin. The president's advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, has ruled out meetings with other Russian representatives.

Volodymyr Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky
Images source: © Getty Images | 2025 Global Images Ukraine

Key information

  • Volodymyr Zelensky seeks dialogue solely with Vladimir Putin.
  • The advisor to the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, excludes other engagements.
  • Leaders of Ukraine and other nations are urging a ceasefire.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has conveyed his willingness to discuss the cessation of the conflict with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Mykhailo Podolyak, Zelensky's advisor, underscored that there is no scope for dialogue with other Russian representatives.

In an interview shared on a YouTube channel, Podolyak noted that interactions with other Russian officials, such as the former Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, are not up for consideration.

The president cannot engage with (...), particularly Medinsky. This would only render the status more ambiguous — his words are quoted by Poland's Press Agency.

Trump and talks in Istanbul

Previously, US President Donald Trump floated the idea of travelling to Turkey for the proposed Russian-Ukrainian talks. Trump stated that he would make an appearance in Istanbul if his presence could be beneficial.

On Saturday, the leaders of Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom urged Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. Should Russia decline, they intend to impose sanctions on the Russian energy and banking sectors. The truce proposal has also received support from President Trump.

Whether a meeting between Zelensky and Putin will transpire remains uncertain. The situation is evolving, with international pressure on Russia intensifying.

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