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Zelenskyy Orders Permanent Expanded Team After Istanbul Talks With Russia
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![Photo of Lucile Brizard]( "Photo of Lucile Brizard")
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered the formation of a permanent, expanded national negotiating group following the recent talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, the Ukrainian President’s Office reported.
The president received a detailed report from the Ukrainian delegation and shared his directives in an official statement on May 19.
Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian team maintained the negotiations “within a decent framework,” successfully rejecting all Russian attempts at intimidation.
He emphasized Ukraine’s firm demand for a “complete and unconditional ceasefire” to save lives and establish a durable diplomatic foundation.
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The proposal, agreed upon with international partners, calls for a ceasefire lasting 30 days with the option for extension. “We are ready for this,” Zelenskyy affirmed.
The president added that Ukraine remains prepared for direct high-level talks to address key issues. “Ukraine is not afraid of direct negotiations with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership does not drag out the war,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiga, and Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, reported on ongoing consultations with representatives from the United States and European partners, including France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey.
Yermak presented the positions of key countries and confirmed that Ukraine coordinates with its partners almost daily, expressing gratitude for their continued support.
Earlier, during negotiations in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian delegations discussed a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, Ukraine stating that a “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner swap could occur soon.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
