Zelensky promised to go to Istanbul and personally wait for Putin there. Turkey has not heard about the upcoming visit of the Ukrainian president

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised Russian leader Vladimir Putin to personally wait for him at the talks in Turkey on May 15 under one condition. He wrote about this on his Telegram channel.

According to the politician, he will come to Istanbul if Moscow agrees to a full and long-term ceasefire from Monday, May 12. This, the head of Ukraine believes, will provide the necessary basis for diplomacy and can "significantly bring peace closer."

Later, the American publication Axios found out that Zelensky will arrive in Turkey for talks with Russia in any case. “A Ukrainian official said that Zelensky will arrive in Turkey on Thursday, even if Russia does not agree to begin a ceasefire on Monday,” the report said.

At the same time, the administration of Turkish President Ercep Tayyip Erdogan does not know about Zelensky's plans to visit the country. RIA Novosti's sources said that no information about Zelensky's visit on the upcoming Thursday, May 15, has been received.

Zelensky's statement was considered an acting performance for Trump

Zelensky's words to Putin are explained by his "actor's nature", said political scientist Denis Denisov . He explained that negotiations are not held at the level of heads of state; leaders must sign the final documents. "The Ukrainian president has an actor's nature at play - he must give several messages as loudly as possible that have nothing to do with the real settlement," the expert said. In his opinion, Zelensky does not want to admit his unwillingness to sign a peace agreement for fear of "causing the wrath" of US President Donald Trump.

Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleksandr Dubinsky also said that Zelensky plans to stage his "main show" at the upcoming talks with Russia in Turkey. "Like what he staged in the White House," the lawmaker believes. However, as the politician emphasizes, the Ukrainian leader is now cornered, and if Zelensky fails to negotiate, it will no longer be possible to agree on a truce.

American journalist Candace Owens believes that Zelensky will sabotage the peace talks. "Zelensky is a cocaine actor who did what he was told. Now he will simulate peace and a ceasefire," she said.

Putin proposed to resume negotiations without preconditions

On the night of May 11, Putin said that Moscow had proposed Kiev to resume direct negotiations. "We have repeatedly proposed steps to cease fire, and have never refused to engage in dialogue with the Ukrainian side. Let me remind you once again: it was not we who interrupted the negotiations in 2022, but the Ukrainian side. In this regard, despite everything, we propose that the Kiev authorities resume the negotiations," the president said. He stressed that we are talking about direct negotiations without preconditions. Putin added that they should begin without delay. The Russian leader noted that the parties could meet in Istanbul, "where they [the negotiations] were held earlier and where they were interrupted."

Trump then responded to Putin's proposal. He said Ukraine should immediately agree to Moscow's proposed talks in Turkey. According to him, their outcome would indicate whether a peace agreement is possible.