In a dramatic twist in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has agreed to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, following a strong call by U.S. President Donald Trump urging immediate acceptance of the proposed peace talks.
Zelenskiy had initially reacted cautiously to Putin’s surprise televised offer for direct negotiations in Istanbul. However, after President Trump’s emphatic post on Truth Social, the Ukrainian leader confirmed he would attend in person. “I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses,” Zelenskiy posted on X.
Putin’s late-night proposal came just hours after a high-powered European delegation visited Kyiv, demanding that Moscow agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face sweeping new sanctions. While Ukraine had tied its willingness to negotiate to the ceasefire demand, President Trump took a different approach, saying the talks must go ahead regardless.
“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump declared.
He added, “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!”
It remains unclear whether Putin will attend the meeting in person. However, hopes are cautiously rising that the long-awaited direct dialogue between the two leaders—now driven by U.S. presidential pressure—might mark a turning point in the devastating conflict.