Zelenskyj calls for clarity: Is Russia seriously coming to Istanbul?
Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for peace and emphasizes diplomacy as new talks set to take place in Istanbul.

Zelenskyj calls for clarity: Is Russia seriously coming to Istanbul?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj commented on the unclear information about the arrival of a Russian delegation in Istanbul in a recent video message on Facebook. These statements come in the context of upcoming peace talks that Russia has proposed to Ukraine. The meeting, which could take place on June 2, raises questions about the conditions under which Ukraine is willing to take part. Zelensky called on Russia to take diplomacy seriously and end the war, while preparing new steps for diplomatic cooperation with European partners and the United States, such as Ukrinform reported.
In the video, Zelensky emphasizes the need for serious peace and a functioning ceasefire. He points out that daily discussions are held with diplomats to ensure active diplomacy. He also hopes for decisive action by the USA regarding possible sanctions in order to support peace and is optimistic about the general willingness to negotiate.
Peace talks and military aid
The Kremlin has accused the federal government of warmongering, while Zelensky and Merz discussed military support and the possibility of a ceasefire in Berlin. Meanwhile, Russia has announced that it has declared its air defense successful by intercepting 296 Ukrainian drones. The capture of additional towns in eastern Ukraine was also reported, and three people were injured in a Russian attack on the Kirovohrad region.
In a broader context, NATO has demanded that Germany provide an additional 40,000 soldiers to defend the alliance. At the same time, Germany is planning joint production of long-range missiles with Ukraine, while Merz is ruling out putting the controversial Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline into operation. These developments make it clear that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate while diplomatic solutions are sought.