If anything, Zelensky is in Turkey: the delegation of Ukraine in Istanbul will be headed by Umerov

Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky / AP Photo
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The Ukrainian delegation has already left Ankara for Istanbul for talks with Russia. This was stated at a press conference by the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky.

The delegation at the talks will be headed by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, he noted. The meeting may take place tonight or tomorrow, the Strana newspaper writes.

According to Zelensky, he has nothing to do in Istanbul yet, since Russian President Vladimir Putin is not there.

"I have nothing to do (there), because Putin has not arrived yet — or will not arrive at all. No one knows," he said.

He also said that if his meeting with Putin is not needed, you can not meet, although he is waiting.

"The first step should be a cease-fire. If today it is possible to establish a ceasefire at the level of technical groups, without leaders, there are no questions, you can not meet. If not— then I'm here. I am ready for direct negotiations," the leader of Ukraine added.

"We will not accept the legal recognition of all occupied territories as Russian," Zelensky stressed.

This is how he answered the question of what territorial compromises Ukraine is ready to make for the sake of peace.