Zelensky to News Clearly: 'Talks are first steps towards peace'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains hopeful for a positive outcome for his country despite the disastrous talks in Turkey. He shared this with News Clearly reporter Geert Jan Hahn, stating, 'We are doing our best to improve things bit by bit.'

After a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Hahn asked Zelensky how he was doing. The Ukrainian president expressed optimism: 'We are striving to make things better every day—for ourselves, our people, and our security. That is my hope.'

Zelensky described the talks in Turkey as 'a first step' towards peace, adding, 'Every day can bring progress, a small step towards peace.' However, the discussions did not go as planned. Zelensky had hoped to negotiate directly with President Putin, but the Kremlin sent a delegation that Ukraine dismissed as 'fake.'

The talks in Istanbul stalled after less than an hour when Russia reportedly presented impossible demands. The agreed prisoner exchange also fell short of expectations, as such exchanges have occurred multiple times in the past three years and have little to do with a ceasefire or peace.