On May 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, May 15, following a public call from U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to accept Putin’s proposal for direct peace talks. This development comes amid escalating calls from European leaders and Ukraine for a 30-day ceasefire, which Putin countered with an offer for negotiations instead.

Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of a genuine commitment to peace, stating that a reliable and lasting ceasefire must precede any negotiations. Ukraine’s top officials echoed this sentiment, stressing that Russia must cease all hostilities to demonstrate sincerity in its proposal for talks.

The proposed meeting in Turkey would be the first direct talks between the two leaders since December 2019. While Zelenskiy has expressed willingness to engage, skepticism remains about whether Putin will attend in person. The situation underscores the complexities of balancing diplomatic efforts with on-the-ground realities, as both sides navigate the path toward a potential resolution of the ongoing conflict.

Source: Reuters