Zelensky speaks after meeting with President Erdoğan: 'Out of respect'

Following his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex, Zelensky arrived at the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara to hold a press conference.

Evaluating the Russia-Ukraine negotiations to be held in Istanbul, Zelensky noted that Russia did not send a high-level delegation to Turkey.

Zelensky said, "After seeing the level of the Russian delegation, unfortunately, we see that they are not very serious about real negotiations."

Announcing that he would send a delegation led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul, Zelensky said, "Out of respect for US President Trump and President Erdoğan, we decided to send a delegation to Istanbul."

Zelensky also stated that he made this decision to ensure a ceasefire and to end the war.

Conveying that they discussed the Ukrainian delegation meeting with Turkish and US delegations on May 15-16 during his meeting with President Erdoğan, Zelensky said, "We will hold a meeting with US, Turkish, and Ukrainian groups."

Emphasizing that an unconditional ceasefire must be achieved first, Zelensky said, "I believe that all parties need to show that they are ready for negotiations. I believe the first step should be an unconditional ceasefire."

Emphasizing that he is ready to discuss the decision that such decisions as a ceasefire should be taken at the level of state leaders, Zelensky said, "If an unconditional ceasefire is to be discussed at the leaders' level, I am here, I am ready for direct talks."

In his speech, Zelensky used the expressions, "If an unconditional ceasefire can be achieved today at the level of technical delegations, without leaders, there is no problem with that. There is no need to discuss it, it will be the first step."

Noting that the first step must be taken to ensure a ceasefire in the Istanbul talks, Zelensky said, "We must take the first step. If we do not start, the war could last for many years."