Photo: Elta
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during the talks between the Ukrainian delegation and Russia in Istanbul, Kyiv’s key demands would be an unconditional ceasefire, humanitarian agreements, and the release of children and prisoners, including civilians, journalists, and political prisoners.
The President said this in his opening statement at the summit in Vilnius.
“We will insist on an unconditional ceasefire, the return of children, and the exchange of prisoners. It is very important for us to bring them home. This is the most important thing,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The President noted that the Ukrainian side is ready for constructive dialogue, but doubts that Moscow will act sincerely. At the same time, Ukraine advocates that diplomacy should not be “hollow”.
“If Russia undermines this agenda and the talks in Istanbul fail, it will mean only one thing: the EU and the US must urgently adopt the 18th package of sanctions, with a focus on oil, the banking sector and **financial instruments of the Russian Federation,” Zelensky added.
What exactly will the Ukrainian side demand in Istanbul?
- A complete ceasefire;
- Return of illegally taken children;
- Exchange of all categories of prisoners;
- Access to detained civilian and political prisoners.
