WP has learned about the requests from the United States and Europe to Zelensky not to abandon negotiations

The United States and Europe urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reconsider not sending a Ukrainian delegation to the talks in Istanbul on May 15. This was reported by The Washington Post (WP) on May 14, citing sources.

Zelensky was on the verge of canceling Ukraine's participation until U.S. and European officials pulled him back from the brink on Tuesday evening (May 13. — Ed.)," the publication says.

According to the interlocutors of the publication, the Ukrainian leader intended not only to refuse personal presence at the talks, but also to ban the delegation's trip to Turkey.

However, as indicated in the article, Western officials managed to persuade Zelensky to change his mind.

Territorial principles: how the dialogue between Russia and Ukraine can begin

And what is capable of disrupting the first direct negotiations in three years?

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated direct talks on May 11, inviting the Ukrainian side to resume dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul three years later. US President Donald Trump, in turn, called on Ukraine to immediately accept Russia's proposal.

On May 14, Putin approved the composition of experts for negotiations. The Russian delegation will be headed by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky.