Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's unexpected announcement of potential face-to-face peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked renewed hopes for diplomatic progress in the ongoing conflict.
According to the Daily Mail, Zelensky declared he "will be waiting" for Putin in Turkey next Thursday, following President Donald Trump's social media post urging both leaders to meet and end the "bloodbath."
Zelensky called for a "full and lasting ceasefire" to begin immediately as a prerequisite for the diplomatic meeting. The Ukrainian leader's announcement came shortly after Trump took to social media demanding that Ukraine agree to Putin's proposal for direct negotiations in Istanbul.
Trump's intervention played a crucial role in advancing the possibility of peace talks. He emphasized that Moscow's openness to negotiations should be seized immediately, suggesting that Ukraine's window for diplomatic engagement might be limited.
The American president expressed growing skepticism about Ukraine's willingness to negotiate with Putin. He pointed out Russia's focus on World War II victory celebrations, while asserting America's historical significance in that conflict.
Trump shared his perspective on social media, stating:
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!!!
Four major European leaders arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Zelensky to discuss peace initiatives.
The European coalition proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday. Their unified stance includes threats of increased sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects the proposal.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed readiness to host the talks in Istanbul. According to Kremlin statements, Erdogan fully supports the Russian proposal and offered assistance in organizing negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace.
Despite diplomatic developments, military operations have not ceased. Russia resumed drone attacks early Sunday after its self-declared three-day pause expired, launching 108 attack and simulator drones from multiple directions.
The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating Moscow's three-day ceasefire over 14,000 times. Ukraine, which never agreed to the May 8-10 ceasefire, dismissed it as a farce.
Macron expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, suggesting that while the offer for direct negotiations represents progress, it may be insufficient. The French president warned that Putin might be seeking to buy time rather than pursue genuine peace.
The proposed meeting in Istanbul represents a potential turning point in the Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year. Zelensky's willingness to meet Putin face-to-face, coupled with Trump's active involvement in pushing for negotiations, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity. The success of these talks hinges on multiple factors, including the implementation of the proposed ceasefire and the willingness of both sides to make concessions. European leaders have pledged continued support for Ukraine while maintaining pressure on Russia through the threat of additional sanctions.
