Zelenskyy: Ceasefire First, Then Talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that a ceasefire must precede any personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though Kyiv remains open to negotiations under any circumstances, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready for talks “any day,” and suggested potential locations for a summit — Istanbul, the Vatican, or Switzerland — depending on Russia’s choice. 

“Why is a ceasefire before the meeting important? If there is no understanding, no desire to de-escalate, no clear vision of ending the conflict, then the ceasefire will immediately be unilaterally cancelled by the Russian side,” Zelenskyy warned.

While reiterating that a ceasefire is essential, Zelenskyy acknowledged that talks could still occur without it. “Ceasefire is not the end of the war. But it would be a big, big step toward the end of the war with the Russians,” he said. 

“Even if there’s no ceasefire — if asked whether we’re ready for a leaders’ meeting without it — if I say no, Russians will immediately say: see, they’re not willing. We say we are ready at the leaders’ level.”

He also noted that Russian delegations have told Ukrainian officials that the ceasefire question must be resolved at the leadership level. “We propose — and I think our partners may support us — we propose a ceasefire before the leaders’ meeting,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader confirmed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supports a potential four-way summit involving Erdoğan, former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. “President Erdoğan said during our conversation that he would like a four-party meeting… We are ready for such a meeting any day,” Zelenskyy stated.

Read more on The Gaze: What are Putin's Goals in Prolonging the War?