Zelenskyy called on the world to impose tough sanctions against Russia

The head of state stated this during a speech at the summit of the European Political Community, which is taking place in the capital of Albania, Tirana.

They (the Russians — ed.) are doing everything possible to turn this meeting in Istanbul into a staged empty process, as it was already in 2022. It is not us or Western leaders who are disrupting the talks — the Russians have been declaring their diplomacy for many years, but it is they who are imitating it, and cannot achieve any results today. The world must react. A strong reaction is needed, including sanctions against Russia's energy and banking sectors. The pressure must continue to grow until Russia is ready to take all real steps to end this war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

He called on the illegitimate Russian President Vladimir Putin to give his delegation real powers.

It is also necessary to completely stop the killings, at least enough to give diplomacy a real chance.

On May 16, negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations are taking place in Istanbul. As Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi noted before the meeting, for the Ukrainian delegation, the priority at the negotiations will be a complete, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire. It will be an indicator of the Russians' readiness for constructive work in Istanbul.