Zelenskyy orders creation of permanent Ukrainian negotiating team

He posted about it on his Telegram.

“I held a meeting regarding our diplomatic efforts to end the war and establish real, lasting peace. Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov reported on the work of our delegation and the negotiation process in Turkey. The meetings of May 15–16 showed the world our readiness to bring peace closer, and the need to exert pressure on Russia to end the war,” the president stated.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the biggest result of the meeting in Istanbul was the agreement on a “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange, with Kyiv currently working on the details.

“I instructed the formation of a permanent expanded national negotiation group,” the Ukrainian leader added.

Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine’s position on unconditional ceasefire during negotiations in Istanbul, emphasizing its importance for saving lives and advancing diplomacy.

During the negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, Zelenskyy said Ukraine rejected all of Russia's threats. "Ukraine insists on the necessity of a full and unconditional ceasefire to save lives and create the necessary basis for diplomacy. This ceasefire must be long enough and extendable. Our proposal, agreed upon with our partners, is 30 days. We are ready for this. We are also ready for a leaders' meeting to resolve key issues," he stated.

Umerov: Step-by-step plan for exchange implementation agreed

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that on May 18, a meeting of the Coordination Headquarters Council on Prisoners of War was held regarding the preliminary agreement on a "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange. All key institutions were involved in the work: the Ministry of Defense, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.

"A step-by-step plan for implementing the agreement has been agreed upon—taking into account security, humanitarian, and logistical aspects, as well as tasks for the coming days," he emphasized.

The minister also stressed that on May 16, the Ukrainian delegation "carried out its work within and strictly adhering to the directives set by the president," despite the sensitivity of the dialogue.

Details of talks with Russia in Turkey

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not attend the negotiations in Istanbul with Ukraine. Ultimately, Putin was not present at the talks, and after meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara, Zelenskyy flew to Albania.

On May 16, a trilateral meeting was held in Istanbul between the delegations of Ukraine, the US, and Turkey. After this, talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umierov, issues such as the 1000 for 1000 prisoner exchange, ceasefire, and a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin were discussed.

Zelenskyy stated that in Istanbul, everyone saw the weak and unprepared Russian delegation, which lacked significant authority.

On May 17, Peskov said that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is possible, but only as "the result of work" after agreements are reached.