Podolyak said whether Zelensky is ready for peace negotiations not with Putin.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky refused to meet with any representative of the Russian Federation in Istanbul, except for Vladimir Putin himself. This position was expressed by the advisor to the head of the President's Office Mykhailo Podolyak on 'The Breakfast Show'.

Podolyak emphasized that the decisions regarding war and peace in Russia are made only by Putin, so negotiations are only possible with him. Even in the absence of Putin himself, other representatives, for example, Vladimir Medinsky, do not have the necessary authority to discuss important issues.

No, of course not. This is not the format. The President cannot meet... especially Medinsky – it would be a completely unclear status. Well, it is unlikely that this person is sufficient to discuss fundamental issues.

The meeting in Istanbul

It is also worth noting that the details of Zelensky's meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have been agreed for holding in Istanbul.

The Ukrainian president has clearly defined his position regarding negotiations with Russia, confirming that only a direct meeting with Vladimir Putin is acceptable for him. This indicates a clear establishment of the Ukrainian course in foreign policy.