The President of the United States held a conversation with the Ukrainian leader after the conclusion of the initial talks with Russia
In a show of international support, Zelensky held a video call with the leaders of France (Emmanuel Macron), Germany (Friedrich Merz), United Kingdom (Keir Starmer), and Poland (Donald Tusk), in addition to Trump.
During the conversation, the leaders expressed a united front regarding Russia's refusal to move toward a ceasefire and reaffirmed their commitment to maintain pressure on Moscow through more severe sanctions if concrete steps toward peace are not taken.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, following the first direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in over three years, held in Istanbul.
Although the meeting concluded with an agreement for the exchange of prisoners of war, a thousand for each side, there were no significant advances toward a ceasefire or a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The talks, held at the Dolmabahce Palace and mediated by Türkiye, took place after several days of uncertainty regarding their realization. Kiev denounced that Moscow attempted to sabotage the process by demanding at the last minute that Turkish and American representatives not participate in the sessions.
Despite these tensions, the delegations met, although with notable differences in the level of representation: while Russia sent second-level officials, led by presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky, Ukraine replied with a delegation of similar rank, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Zelensky called the team sent by Russia a "fake delegation" and harshly criticized their stance, stating that the Russian demands were "unacceptable" and "detached from reality."
Among these demands, Moscow reiterated that Ukraine should withdraw from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, despite Russia not fully controlling any of these territories.
These regions were illegally annexed by the Kremlin in 2022, following referendums widely considered manipulated and without international recognition.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready to act quickly in favor of real peace, but that Russia must accept a complete and unconditional ceasefire. "If the Russian representatives in Istanbul can't even agree to that, then it is clear that Putin continues to undermine diplomatic efforts," he stated.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed that the Russian stance remains unacceptable, and highlighted the importance of aligning joint responses with the United States and other allies.
Polish leader Donald Tusk was also blunt in stating that "the Russians have de facto broken the negotiations and refuse to cease fire," urging to intensify international pressure.
From Washington, the U.S. administration expressed its growing frustration at the lack of progress. Although Trump had suggested he might participate in the May 16 meeting if progress was in sight, he later lowered his expectations.
