Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in person, with Turkey proposed as the venue for the talks. Zelensky made the announcement on Sunday, emphasizing the need for a full and lasting ceasefire to pave the way for diplomatic negotiations.
“We expect a complete and lasting ceasefire starting tomorrow, which will serve as a foundation for diplomatic efforts,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “There is no point in prolonging the bloodshed. I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday—personally. I hope this time the Russians won’t come up with more excuses.”
The proposed meeting comes amid growing international pressure for peace, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently urged both sides to engage in direct talks to determine whether a peace process is possible. Trump has also claimed that Putin is not interested in any kind of ceasefire agreement.
Zelensky did not clarify whether he would proceed with the meeting if Russia refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and its Western allies. So far, the Kremlin has not responded to Zelensky’s offer.
On Sunday, Putin reiterated his proposal to resume peace talks that were last held in Istanbul in March 2022. However, he has not commented on the current ceasefire proposal backed by Ukraine’s allies.
