**Ukraine Won’t Meet Lower-Level Russian Officials in Turkey, Says Advisor**
As the world waits with bated breath for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul this week, a key advisor to Zelensky has shed light on what can be expected. Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential advisor, told the Breakfast Show program that Ukraine won’t meet any other Russian official apart from Putin. This decision is based on the assessment that talks with lower-level representatives would be pointless.
**Only Putin Can Make Decisions**
Podolyak emphasized that even high-ranking officials like ministers cannot make fundamental decisions on ending the war. According to him, only Putin has the authority to decide whether to continue or stop the conflict. This view echoes that of Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak, who said that while Putin might delegate tasks for technical and preparatory stages, Ukraine understands who is ultimately in charge.
**Ukraine Stands Firm on Ceasefire**
In related news, Ukraine and its European allies have urged an unconditional ceasefire starting on May 12 as the first step toward peace. Russia has ignored this proposal, continuing its attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian government remains resolute, with a source close to President Zelensky stating that they are “ready for all options” but will not budge on the demand for a ceasefire.
**A Meeting of Minds?**
The possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump attending the meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey has sparked optimism among some quarters. Trump expressed his enthusiasm, suggesting he might attend as well, saying “Thursday’s meeting between Russia and Ukraine is very important.” Zelensky welcomed this idea, calling it “the right idea.”
**A Long Road to Peace**
The last face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky took place in 2019 in Paris during a Normandy Format summit. Since then, there have been no direct in-person meetings between the two leaders. Ukraine and Russia have not held direct peace talks since the unsuccessful negotiations in Istanbul in 2022.
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