High Chances for Istanbul Talks to Fail

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he was expecting Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend negotiations in Istanbul. In Turkey, Zelensky hopes to discuss a ceasefire and a full "all for all" prisoner exchange. Zelensky said he was seeking a "political victory" from the meeting. Ukraine will not survive if the fighting drags on for years. “It’s important to understand the purpose of my meeting with Putin. We can’t agree on everything right now — that’s impossible. But we must find some format to end the war,” the Ukrainian leader said in an interview with Liberation publication. Zelensky’s Objectives Zelensky told reporters that his main goal at the talks is to secure a complete prisoner exchange. He also demands an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.