Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies: Zelenskyy ahead of Turkey talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked US President Donald Trump to understand that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the main obstacle to peace between Russia and Ukraine.

“Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies. And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us who are slowing down the process,” Zelenskyy said, as quoted by The Guardian.

ZELENSKYY READY FOR TALKS, BUT QUESTIONS PUTIN’S INTENTIONS

Zelenskyy is set to travel to Turkey this Thursday, regardless of whether Putin decides to attend talks there. He confirmed the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan in Ankara. However, he is ready to fly to Istanbul at short notice if Putin comes.

“If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war,” Zelenskyy stated.

This comes after Putin’s late-night address from the Kremlin, where he suggested direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. In response, Zelenskyy said he would be there personally, waiting.

Trump, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, has shown interest in attending a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. He said, “I believe the two leaders are going to be there. I was thinking about flying over.”

Zelenskyy welcomed this idea, stating, “If Trump travels, it will push Putin also to travel. Trump can really help. It’s the situation where the US being present can give important guarantees.”

However, so far, the Kremlin has not confirmed that Putin will travel. Instead, reports claimed that Russia is likely to send a lower-level delegation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “Our delegation will be there and will wait for the Ukrainian side.”

Zelenskyy made it clear why he wanted to meet Putin. “I want you to understand why I would meet with Putin. We are not going to be able to agree on everything now. It’s impossible. We have different approaches to life, different worldviews. But we have to somehow find a way to end the war,” he said.

WHAT IF TUKEY MEET FAILS?

If the meetings in Turkey don’t result in progress, European leaders will then try to press Trump to join them in stepping up pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy expressed the hope that even tougher US sanctions would follow shortly.

“I believe that President Trump is not against imposing sanctions and I believe that there is political will in Congress to vote for these sanctions,” he said.

Zelenskyy has been working hard to rebuild relations with the Trump camp after a failed White House meeting in February.