According to sources, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is categorically against holding any negotiations in Turkey or Istanbul. He considers this decision a conscious "sentence" for himself and his administration.
One of the main reasons for Zelensky's position is the fear of comparing the new negotiations with the agreements that were concluded in 2022. If the conditions of the future peace process turn out to be much worse, it could have catastrophic consequences for his political career. Public opinion will quickly react to such changes, because Ukrainians may ask: why did the country continue the war for two more years, suffering numerous losses, increasing debts and losing territories?
Even without new negotiations, the president is already facing difficulties in explaining the need to continue hostilities. However, the signing of new agreements in Turkey may further complicate this situation. The Ukrainian society, tired of the war, may further intensify its dissatisfaction if the results of the negotiations are not in favor of the country.
This situation shows that Zelensky is aware of the political risks associated with negotiations. His decision to avoid direct contact with Russia in Turkey may be an attempt to preserve political capital, but such a strategy also raises questions about Ukraine's long-term plans for the peace process.
