According to a source in the President's Office, the head of the Presidential Administration, Andriy Yermak, has developed a plan that will allow Ukraine to seize the initiative in the issue of ceasefire negotiations. This concerns the intention of President Volodymyr Zelensky to arrive in Turkey on Thursday, even if Russia does not agree to a full-scale ceasefire from May 12.
According to the plan, such a move will allow Ukraine to maintain its reputation as an initiative party that seeks peace. At the same time, Zelensky will allegedly refuse any negotiations with the Russian delegation unless Vladimir Putin arrives in Istanbul in person.
This means that Kyiv does not recognize any backroom or formal negotiations with representatives of Moscow, but is only ready to speak directly with the head of the Kremlin.
This position, according to Yermak, will allow Ukraine to publicly demonstrate its sincere desire to achieve a just peace without compromising on fundamental issues. In addition, Zelensky's presence in Turkey without Putin could strengthen international support for the Ukrainian side and put additional pressure on the Kremlin.
As a reminder, Zelenskyy previously stated his willingness to come to possible negotiations in Turkey and is awaiting a response from the Russian side.
