Green: Putin is afraid of direct negotiations with me

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski said today that he will do everything this week to hold a announced meeting with Vladimir Putin.

-If Putin is not ready to come to Ankara, Erdogan and I are ready to fly for Istanbul. We will do everything for that meeting. No one except me can negotiate with Putin. These are my duties, « he said, then added: » If there is no meeting with Putin, there will be no results. Everything has already gone too far. Putin is afraid of direct negotiations with me – Greenski argues in a statement by X, adding that « if Putin does not come and continue to play his games, it is the last proof.

Greenski added that if negotiations fail, he expects « strict sanctions » from the United States and the European Union, as it would show that Russia is not ready for diplomacy.

As a reminder, direct negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski and Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to be held in Istanbul on Thursday, with the potential participation of US President Donald Trump.

The announced meeting is the latest attempt by the international community to mediate the end of war that has lasted more than three years.

Greenski confirmed his arrival in Turkey and invited Putin to join, stressing that he was ready to do everything to hold the meeting.

Putin has proposed prerequisite negotiations, but has not yet confirmed his participation. The Kremlin has rejected Western demands for a 30-day ceasefire as « ultimatums » and it is not yet clear whether Putin will personally attend the meeting.

It is also unclear at this time whether US President Trump, who is currently touring the Middle East and expressing a willingness to participate in any talks in Istanbul, will indeed join them if it may be useful.

Greenski welcomed his eventual presence, saying it could help achieve peace in Ukraine.