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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, following U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Ukraine to accept direct negotiations. This potential meeting would mark the first direct talks between the leaders since 2019, as the war enters its third year.
The dramatic development follows European leaders’ joint demand for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. Putin responded by proposing direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, bypassing the ceasefire request. However, it's unclear if Putin intends to attend in person.
Zelenskiy, posting on X, said, "I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally." His chief of staff questioned whether Putin is afraid to attend. Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a ceasefire if Russia agrees, but warned Ukrainian forces would respond if Russia did not observe the truce.
Trump, diverging from European allies, urged Zelenskiy to accept talks immediately. "At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible," he posted on Truth Social.
Putin’s televised proposal included "direct negotiations without any preconditions," but Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov later indicated that talks must reflect the 2022 draft peace framework and current battlefield realities—terms Kyiv equates to surrender.
While Trump seeks to mediate, both Ukraine and Russia appear to be vying for favor with Washington. Ukraine wants renewed U.S. military support, while Russia hopes to ease sanctions.
The U.S. embassy in Kyiv warned of a potential Russian air attack in the coming days, underscoring the fragile security situation despite diplomatic overtures.
As tensions escalate, Thursday’s potential meeting in Turkey could be a turning point—or another missed opportunity for peace.
