Ukraine ready for Zelenskyy-Putin meeting: Podolyak explains the conditions

Mykhailo Podolyak, Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President, commented on the context and political significance of the Istanbul negotiations, emphasizing that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire and realistic dialogue. However, Russia continues to show contempt for international initiatives while simultaneously escalating its aggression.

He said this on the air of the national TV marathon.

According to Podolyak, the humanitarian part of the negotiation process is still functioning, and Ukraine’s participation in international talks serves as an important political signal — primarily to the United States and countries of the Global South — that Kyiv is actively seeking paths to peace.

“We want to bring this war to an end. But that’s impossible without a ceasefire. This is exactly the essence of the negotiation process Mr. Sybiha is referring to,” Podolyak explains.

At the same time, the adviser stresses that Russia mostly uses negotiations to simulate a process and spread propaganda. When diplomatic platforms become more active, Russia increases its strikes against civilians.

“At the moment when Russia initiated the negotiation process, it significantly ramped up its genocidal tactics — massive attacks on civilians. This shows their complete unwillingness to reach real agreements without coercion,” Podolyak stated.

Ukraine, in turn, is clearly signaling on the international stage its openness to negotiations, even at the highest level.

“We are even ready for a meeting in the format of the President and Putin, and to move toward ending the war,” the presidential adviser noted.

In conclusion, Podolyak emphasized that coercion is the only way to force Russia to end the war.