Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's readiness to host peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sparks new diplomatic developments in the ongoing conflict.

According to Daily Mail, Zelensky announced he "will be waiting" for Putin in Turkey next Thursday, following U.S. President Donald Trump's call for immediate peace negotiations between the two leaders.

The Ukrainian leader's commitment to the meeting came with a condition for a "full and lasting ceasefire" to begin immediately. This development follows intense diplomatic activity involving European leaders and multiple ceasefire proposals from both sides.

European leaders push for immediate peace resolution

Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk demonstrated unified support for Ukraine during their visit to Kyiv on Saturday. The European leaders backed a coordinated call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.

Putin responded by proposing direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, suggesting that a ceasefire could be negotiated during these discussions. However, he emphasized the need for a "lasting peace" rather than a temporary pause that might allow Ukraine to rearm.

Trump took to social media to urge immediate action, expressing concern about the ongoing casualties and suggesting that continued U.S. support for Ukraine might depend on progress toward peace.

Diplomatic exchanges reveal complex negotiations

Trump wrote on his social media platform:

Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible. I'm starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who's too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!

The Turkish president's involvement adds another layer to the diplomatic efforts. During a phone call with Putin, Erdogan expressed full support for the Russian proposal and offered to provide all necessary assistance for the negotiations.

Macron cautioned that Putin's offer might be tactical, suggesting that the Russian leader is "looking for a way out, but he still wants to buy time."

Military activities continue amid peace talks

Despite diplomatic initiatives, military operations persist on both sides. Russia launched 108 attack drones and simulator drones from six directions after its self-declared three-day pause expired, according to Ukraine's air force.

The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating Moscow's three-day ceasefire more than 14,000 times. Ukraine, which never agreed to the May 8-10 ceasefire, dismissed it as a farce.

European leaders have threatened to increase pressure on Moscow if Putin refuses to accept their ceasefire proposal, indicating their commitment to supporting Ukraine's position.

Stakes rise as leaders prepare for crucial meeting

The potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey represents a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The initiative, prompted by Trump's intervention and supported by major European powers, aims to establish a lasting ceasefire and meaningful peace negotiations. As Thursday approaches, the international community watches closely to see if this diplomatic effort will succeed in ending the conflict, now in its fourth year.