The Ukrainian president likened Russian negotiators dispatched to Istanbul to “theater props,” as direct talks between both sides remain uncertain.

President Volodymyr Zelensky considers his arrival in Turkey to be a “clear message” for Russian President Vladimir Putin. — Ukrinform.

Ukraine had framed Zelensky's demand for a face-to-face meeting with Putin as a test of Russia's true willingness to negotiate peace. Arriving in Turkey, he slammed the Russian delegation as "theatrical" and contrasted it to Ukraine's high-level group.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, began in Ankara on May 15, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported.

The chief of staff of the Ukrainian presidency asserts, in an interview with Le Monde, that Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to negotiate with Russia, alongside the US and Europe, but demands a complete and unconditional ceasefire beforehand.

As he heads to Turkey for negotiations, Zelensky is betting that Trump will soon realize that Russia does not want to make peace.