Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, where they discussed the war between Russia and Ukraine and the anticipated talks in Istanbul between the sides with Turkish mediation. Zelensky claimed that Russia is 'not serious' about peace talks, and he does not intend to come to Istanbul personally, but will only send a delegation on his behalf. He noted that he gave the delegation a mandate to discuss a ceasefire and called for pressure on Russia if it does not respond to the talks.