Zelenskyy says new sanctions await Russia if Putin misses Istanbul talks

He made the statement during a briefing on May 13.

According to Zelenskyy, Putin’s refusal to attend the talks would indicate that Russia is not interested in ending the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already demonstrated maximum openness to constructive dialogue.

"Ukraine has demonstrated absolute constructivism. It has shown that it is clear, transparent, and wants to end the war. I believe that Putin’s absence, and again playing games, will be the final point of his demonstrations that they are not ready to end the war. This means that all the promises, sober and clear promises from the U.S., Europe, and other countries must be fulfilled," Zelenskyy said.

In his opinion, without this, it will be impossible to force Russia into dialogue.

"That means there will be sanctions. I expect at least a strong sanctions package from the U.S. against Russia. And these are sanctions, look, not for aggression, not for occupation, etc. There have already been a million compromises. Sanctions for not even wanting a ceasefire," the president stated.

According to Zelenskyy, this must be the strongest sanctions package, as it will be "a will to end the war or not."

"A strong package from the United States, a strong package from Europe. We will be very, very grateful," the president concluded.

Expected Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul 

In a nighttime address on May 11, Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed he was ready for direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey next week, but he dismissed the idea of a 30-day truce. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would keep working with both sides and predicted that the coming week would be “great.”

On May 12, the German government announced that if Russia did not agree to ceasefire in Ukraine by the end of the day, European partners would begin preparations for new sanctions. In contrast, the Kremlin stated that “the language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia.”

Advisor to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not meet with any Russian representative other than Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the talks in Istanbul with Kyiv should recognize the "realities on the ground," including Russia’s incorporation of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed he will visit Turkey on May 15 to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also said he is ready to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.