Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to engage in talks with Russia to end the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s call followed Putin’s proposal for a meeting between the two leaders to discuss a potential resolution to the war.
Trump’s Push for Immediate Talks
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Ukraine to immediately agree to meet with Russia, stating that such talks would provide clarity on the possibility of a peace deal.
He wrote, “Ukraine should agree to this IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!”
Trump also criticized Putin’s ongoing celebration of World War II victories, suggesting that Russia’s actions in Ukraine were motivated by political ambitions rather than the interests of the people. He urged Ukraine to meet with Putin and see if a deal could be reached, adding, “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
Zelensky’s Response: Ready for Talks in Turkey
Shortly after Trump’s post, Zelensky responded, saying he would attend the proposed meeting in Turkey. On social media platform X, Zelensky wrote, “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy.
There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
Zelensky also emphasized that a ceasefire must be established first, as it is essential for laying the groundwork for genuine peace talks. He hopes that this time, the Russians will show a genuine commitment to peace without looking for excuses to delay negotiations.
Putin’s Proposal for Direct Talks
Putin had proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine as early as Sunday morning, offering to resume talks without any preconditions. He suggested holding these discussions in Istanbul on Thursday, May 15, in order to find a “long-term, lasting peace” and address the root causes of the war.
Putin’s offer came after major European powers called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and warned of severe new sanctions if he refused.
“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said, accusing some European powers of pursuing personal political ambitions rather than focusing on the needs of the people.
European Leaders React
The proposal for talks came just hours after European leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, called on Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face additional sanctions.
During a visit to Kyiv, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland emphasized the importance of peace and pledged to increase sanctions if Putin rejected a ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron, while acknowledging Putin’s offer for talks as a “first step,” stated that it was insufficient.
He expressed skepticism, suggesting that Putin’s move was primarily aimed at buying time rather than genuinely seeking a resolution. Macron reiterated that negotiations should not precede a ceasefire, highlighting the need for immediate action to stop the bloodshed.
The Path Forward: What’s Next for the Talks?
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether delegations from the U.S. or European countries will be present at the proposed talks in Istanbul. The international community, including the U.S., European Union, and the United Nations, will likely play a crucial role in supporting or mediating the negotiations.
The call for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin represents a potential breakthrough, but the path to lasting peace remains uncertain. The international community is watching closely, hoping that these discussions may finally lead to an end to the devastating war that has caused so much loss and destruction.