In a significant development following Donald Trump's request for Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky Proposes Direct Talks with Putin Amid Trump’s Call for Negotiations
Zelensky Proposes Direct Talks with Putin Amid Trump’s Call for Negotiations
Ukrainian President expresses readiness to meet with Russia's leader as calls for ceasefire intensify.
Zelensky indicated he would be available for discussions in Istanbul on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency of ending hostilities. "There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally," he stated. His willingness to meet came on the heels of Trump urging for immediate talks to ascertain if a deal between Ukraine and Russia is feasible.
Previously, Zelensky had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia but insisted on a ceasefire as a prerequisite. Western nations are pressing for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, following a coalition meeting with European leaders in Kyiv over the weekend. In response to Putin's recent offer for "serious negotiations," Trump echoed the importance of Ukraine seizing the opportunity to determine the possible pathways toward peace.
While Zelensky remains hopeful for a ceasefire to precede talks, he stated, "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy." On the other hand, Putin suggested the discussions could be a step toward a prolonged peace, though he did not explicitly mention the ceasefire.
Putin's earlier invitation for negotiations follows a long-standing standoff since the last direct talks between the two nations in March 2022. Russian officials have long contended that any ceasefire arrangement is contingent upon the West halting military support for Ukraine.
As the situation unfolds, Zelensky and European leaders have emphasized that severe sanctions will be enacted against Russia's energy and banking sectors if a ceasefire is not achieved. The stakes are high as both nations grapple with the choice between continued conflict or a tentative path toward peace.
In the dynamic landscape of the ongoing war, the international community watches closely to see if these proposed talks will indeed take place and what consequences may follow depending on the responses from both sides.
Previously, Zelensky had indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia but insisted on a ceasefire as a prerequisite. Western nations are pressing for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, following a coalition meeting with European leaders in Kyiv over the weekend. In response to Putin's recent offer for "serious negotiations," Trump echoed the importance of Ukraine seizing the opportunity to determine the possible pathways toward peace.
While Zelensky remains hopeful for a ceasefire to precede talks, he stated, "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy." On the other hand, Putin suggested the discussions could be a step toward a prolonged peace, though he did not explicitly mention the ceasefire.
Putin's earlier invitation for negotiations follows a long-standing standoff since the last direct talks between the two nations in March 2022. Russian officials have long contended that any ceasefire arrangement is contingent upon the West halting military support for Ukraine.
As the situation unfolds, Zelensky and European leaders have emphasized that severe sanctions will be enacted against Russia's energy and banking sectors if a ceasefire is not achieved. The stakes are high as both nations grapple with the choice between continued conflict or a tentative path toward peace.
In the dynamic landscape of the ongoing war, the international community watches closely to see if these proposed talks will indeed take place and what consequences may follow depending on the responses from both sides.
