Zelenskyy accuses Russia of dodging Istanbul talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated in his evening address that work is continuing in Kharkiv following a Russian drone strike.
Source: Zelenskyy’s evening address on 13 May
Details: Zelenskyy reported that search and rescue efforts are ongoing in Kharkiv following a Russian drone attack on an energy facility – a civilian target – with early reports indicating no casualties. He accused Russia of responding to the expectations of talks and a ceasefire with further strikes and assaults.
Zelenskyy emphasised that Russia alone is responsible for starting and prolonging the war and urged Ukraine’s allies to increase pressure on Moscow.
He also criticised Russia for doing a lot of talking about direct negotiations but not following through when opportunities arise, and stressed that decisions must be made by those who have real influence over the outcome. The president also confirmed that Ukraine’s team is actively preparing for the visit to Türkiye.
Background:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is scheduled to meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Thursday, but if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin only agrees to fly to Istanbul, he and Erdoğan are prepared to travel there instead.
- US President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will travel to Istanbul on Thursday for possible negotiations on how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that if Putin refuses to hold talks in Türkiye, this will indicate that Russia does not want to end the war.
- Meanwhile, the Kremlin has stated that Russia continues to prepare for negotiations in Istanbul on 15 May and offered no further comments.
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