Unverified Claims of Secret Negotiations Between Putin and Zelenskyy Surface Online

Unverified Claims Surface Regarding Putin, Zelenskyy, and Istanbul Negotiations A video circulating online features a man claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of him and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will only negotiate with a delegation sent by former US President Donald Trump. The video, posted on May 13th, 2025, from Thailand, and lasting just over a minute, makes several unsubstantiated claims regarding upcoming negotiations in Istanbul scheduled for May 15th. The speaker states, "Putin is openly afraid of me." However, these assertions lack verifiable evidence. The video's potential for manipulation is high, given the use of attention-grabbing statements and the lack of credible sources. While the topic of ongoing negotiations is newsworthy, reporters should treat the video's claims with extreme caution and confirm any information with reliable sources before publication. The video's popularity, with over 40,000 views, highlights the need for accurate reporting on this sensitive geopolitical situation.