President Zelenskyy ready for 'any format' of peace negotiations with Russia ahead of Istanbul talks
by Alice Padgett · LBCBy Alice Padgett
President Zelenskyy has said Ukraine was ready for 'any format' of negotiations with Putin but admitted next steps will depend on who represents Russia at Istanbul peace talks.
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The Ukrainian President has said previously he will be "waiting for" the Russian leader in Istanbul, Turkey "personally" for peace talks.
Zelenskyy has said on Wednesday he is ready for "any format" of negotiations to end war with Russia, AFP reports.
This comes as US President Donald Trump said Putin wants him to be present at peace talks - after Trump said he was "thinking" of going to Turkey.
"This week really may change a lot — but only may. Everything is being decided right now," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
"Russia is only prolonging the war and the killings.
"I want to thank every country, every leader who is now putting pressure on Russia, so that the shelling finally stops, so that meaningful negotiations can take place at a level where real decisions can be made.
"To everyone helping peace and diplomacy — thank you."
Last week, at least 108 drone strikes were launched at Ukraine overnight, 55 of which were shot down, Kyiv said.
The attacks targeted almost all of Ukraine, the country’s air force said, and came just hours after European leaders met to demand an immediate ceasefire.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy urged Vladimir Putin to meet him on Thursday in Istanbul but Russia's leader has yet to respond.
Mr Trump, while on his tour of the Middle East, said late on Monday, "I was thinking about flying over. I don't know where I am going be on Thursday.
"I've got so many meetings.
"There's a possibility there I guess, if I think things can happen."
The US president also said he was "always considering" secondary sanctions on Moscow after the European Union laid out a 17th package on Wednesday.
Is Putin’s peace talk proposal genuine?: Ukrainian MP weighs in
Zelenskyy supported the notion of Trump joining the peace talks.
He said: "I supported President Trump with the idea of direct talks with Putin. I have openly expressed my readiness to meet.
"And of course, all of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to say who - if anyone - would be travelling to Turkey as a representative for Russia.
Mr Peskov said: "Overall, we're determined to seriously look for ways to achieve a long-term peaceful settlement. That is all."
Zelenskyy's comments come after President Trump insisted Ukraine accept Russia's offer as he urged the two to talk.
The US President said he is starting to doubt Ukraine will make a deal with Russia - whilst also accusing President Putin of being too caught up in celebrations to commemorate the end of World War 2.
He said on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday: "President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH.
"Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.
"At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!
"I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America.
"HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!"