Kyiv, May 12, 2025 — The Europe Today: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he will personally await Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye on Thursday, as efforts to revive stalled diplomatic channels between the two warring nations appear to be gaining traction.
Taking to social media platform X, President Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s call for a “full and lasting ceasefire” to begin on Monday, laying the foundation for renewed dialogue aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” Zelenskyy stated. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Moscow’s readiness to resume direct peace negotiations with Kyiv, proposing Istanbul as the venue for the renewed dialogue starting May 15. The announcement marks a significant shift in tone following months of entrenched hostilities and diplomatic deadlock.
The renewed diplomatic overture has also drawn attention in Washington. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a vocal figure in international affairs, weighed in on the developments via X, urging Ukraine to accept the proposal for talks. “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Türkiye, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY… I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War II… HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” Trump wrote.
No official comment has yet been issued from the Kremlin regarding whether President Putin will accept Zelenskyy’s direct invitation to meet in person. Similarly, Turkish officials have not confirmed the logistics or agenda of the proposed talks, though Ankara has consistently positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict.
If realized, the Istanbul meeting would mark the first face-to-face encounter between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Previous rounds of negotiations, including those hosted in Türkiye early in the war, have failed to yield a lasting resolution.
The proposed summit comes amid growing international pressure to de-escalate the conflict, which continues to inflict heavy casualties and severe humanitarian consequences on both sides.
