Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is fully prepared for a direct meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, yet the Kremlin leader continues to cowardly evade such negotiations. This sharp and uncompromising message was delivered by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in response to Russian propagandists on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. The encounter, which was widely shared in a viral video on X (formerly Twitter) and later officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, highlights Kyiv’s confident diplomatic stance amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.
The incident occurred when representatives of Russian state media attempted to ambush the Ukrainian delegation with provocative questions regarding the possibility of leader-level peace talks. The propagandists sought to portray Ukraine as unwilling to negotiate, but Sybiha’s response was brief, decisive, and directly shifted the responsibility onto Moscow: “Zelensky is ready to meet with Putin. The question is — why is he hiding?”
Зеленський готовий зустрітися з Путіним. Питання – чому він ховається? – Сибіга російським пропагандистам pic.twitter.com/tF0DltK0vM
— Максим (@lipcansmaks1) April 18, 2026
A Clear Multilateral Strategy
Sybiha’s retort to the propagandists accurately reflects Ukraine’s official and meticulously structured diplomatic strategy. Speaking at a public panel during the forum, the Foreign Minister confirmed that Kyiv is indeed open to a meeting in the “Zelensky-Putin” format. However, Ukraine strictly insists on the presence of influential international mediators to ensure absolute transparency and accountability. The proposed setting is Turkey, potentially involving the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump.
Turkey has consistently positioned itself as a crucial mediator, utilizing its unique diplomatic experience, such as brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative in the past. Ukrainian officials have already conveyed their full readiness for this format to their Turkish counterparts, emphasizing that any high-level dialogue must be aimed at a comprehensive and just resolution, rather than serving as a futile platform for Russian ultimatums.
The Kremlin’s Fear of Direct Engagement
Political analysts suggest that Putin’s deep reluctance to participate in a multilateral summit on neutral territory stems from an acute fear of diplomatic isolation and an inability to unilaterally dictate terms. Earlier this year, in late January, President Zelensky firmly rejected a cynical proposal from the Kremlin to hold talks in Moscow. He accurately described the offer as an intentional move to ensure the meeting would never take place, publicly inviting the Russian leader to Kyiv or a neutral international venue instead.
By actively avoiding a direct confrontation in the presence of global leaders like Erdogan and Trump, Putin demonstrates an underlying weakness and a lack of real negotiating power. While Russian diplomacy relies heavily on delays, disinformation, and attempts to wear down international support for Ukraine, Kyiv continues to hold the diplomatic initiative. As Sybiha pointed out during the forum, the most challenging period in building a unified front with global partners is behind them, and Ukraine now holds significant leverage at the negotiating table. The critical question remains solely on whether the Russian leader is willing to step out of his bunker and face the reality of the international diplomatic arena.