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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday that a high-level delegation will travel to Istanbul on Monday for talks with Russia, though he expressed skepticism about Moscow's seriousness in pursuing meaningful negotiations.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation to the Turkish capital, where representatives from the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are also expected to participate, according to Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
Speaking on social media Sunday, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's position heading into the talks, emphasizing priorities including "a complete and unconditional cease-fire" and the return of prisoners and abducted children.
However, the Ukrainian leader voiced concerns about Russia's intentions during his evening video address, noting that key stakeholders remain unclear about Moscow's proposals.
"As of now, there is no clear information about what the Russians are bringing to Istanbul. We don't have it, Türkiye doesn't have it, and the United States doesn't have it—nor do other partners. So far, it doesn't look very serious," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president said he had discussed the upcoming negotiations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the previous day.
Türkiye has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, hosting previous rounds of talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials.
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's ongoing diplomatic coordination with Western allies ahead of the Istanbul meeting.
"We're now preparing for new diplomatic steps together with our partners in Europe and—very importantly—with our partners in the United States. We're in contact practically every day with everyone who can make diplomacy more than just empty words," he said.
The Ukrainian leader called for sustained international pressure on Russia, particularly through economic sanctions, to help secure peace.
"Of course, everyone in the world wants diplomacy to work and for there to be a real ceasefire. Everyone wants Russia to stop playing games with diplomacy and end the war. Everyone wants a serious peace, and Russia needs to agree to that," Zelenskyy said.
"We hope the U.S. side will take a firm stance on sanctions to help bring about peace."
The Istanbul talks represent the latest diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing conflict, with Türkiye continuing its role as a key intermediary between the warring parties.
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