We cannot chase Putin around the world: Zelensky sends delegation for negotiations in Istanbul.

Ukraine will send a delegation to Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian side

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to send a delegation headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul to participate in negotiations with the Russian side. He announced this during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

'Despite the sufficiently low level of the Russian delegation's representation, but out of respect for President Trump, out of respect for the high level of the Turkish delegation and for President Erdogan, wishing to try to achieve the first steps towards de-escalation, I decided to send our delegation to Istanbul' - said Zelensky.

The goal of the negotiations in Istanbul is to reach a ceasefire, which the President himself reported. Zelensky will not participate in the meeting due to the absence of Vladimir Putin.

The delegation is ready to resume negotiations

Head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky expressed readiness to resume the Istanbul negotiations and discuss potential compromises. The Ukrainian delegation will also meet with Americans and remain in Istanbul until May 16.

'We ask: if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions, bilateral meetings - we ask for appropriate sanctions that will serve as an incentive for a faster end to the war' - said Zelensky.

The President also expressed readiness for direct negotiations with Putin and emphasized his stance on the territorial integrity of the country.

Zelensky on pressure on Ukraine and Russia

Zelensky noted that the Trump administration is exerting pressure on both sides of the conflict to achieve peace, but with some imbalance. He expressed readiness for a constructive dialogue and emphasized that Ukraine will defend its interests.

'We do not intend to lose our lives and land' - Zelensky emphasized.

Despite the difficulties of the negotiation process, the president firmly upholds the country's position and is ready to discuss humanitarian issues in the occupied territories.