Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for in-person talks in Istanbul scheduled for Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to halt ongoing violence. This proclamation was made shortly after former President Donald Trump encouraged Ukraine to accept Putin’s proposal for direct dialogue in Turkey.
“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” Zelensky stated in a post on social media platform X. While he affirmed Ukraine's openness to talks, he emphasized that a ceasefire must precede any discussions.
Western nations have rallied for a 30-day pause in hostilities set to commence from Monday following a meeting between European leaders in Kyiv. Trump's social media intervention, where he urged Ukraine to agree to engage in talks "immediately," aimed to clarify the path toward potential peace. He articulated that this meeting could highlight whether a deal is feasible, enabling European and US leaders to adjust their strategies accordingly.
In his communication, Zelensky expressed hopes for a Russian agreement to ceasefire prior to their potential talks. “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” he stated.
Putin issued an invitation for "serious negotiations" regarding the conflict that has unfolded since Russia's extensive military assault on Ukraine in 2022. While he acknowledged the possibility of reaching a new truce, Putin did not directly address the call for a ceasefire. He remarked that diplomacy could pave the way to lasting peace, rather than igniting further military confrontations after Ukraine enhances its military capabilities.
Moscow has previously asserted that any discussions about a ceasefire would require a cessation of Western military assistance to Ukraine. During the recent summit in Kyiv, Zelensky hosted several European leaders, who emphasized the necessity for an immediate ceasefire. They warned of "new and massive" sanctions against Russia's energy and banking sectors should Putin decline to agree to the conditional ceasefire.
The most recent direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in March 2022 in Istanbul. As both nations show readiness to revive discussions, significant barriers remain in place as each side holds firm to its respective demands.
