"The Istanbul agreements (which Putin has repeatedly referred to as the basis for potential negotiations. – "GORDON") never existed. There was an ultimatum from the Russian Federation on the very first day of the occupation of our country in 2022. Their "messengers" traveled in various directions, using different sources to reveal the details of this ultimatum to us. These "messengers" are no longer in Ukraine; they have already fled to Russia or abroad. In any case, Ukraine did not agree to the Russian ultimatum," said Zelensky.
According to him, the Kremlin then attempted to take further steps, slightly softening its demands, leading to meetings of delegations in Belarus, and later in Turkey.
"They referred to these meetings as the Istanbul agreements. Ukraine did not sign anything; no agreements existed. There was a response to the Russian ultimatum," Zelensky stated.
Earlier that same day, Putin claimed to be ready for negotiations and "compromises" with Ukraine. At the same time, he mentioned the negotiations on the Istanbul agreements in 2022 and once again accused Ukraine of rejecting these agreements.