Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will be waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, responding to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump urging Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia. Trump had emphasized the importance of talks to potentially end the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine under Putin’s command.
In a strong message delivered on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration over the ongoing war and stressed the urgency for peace negotiations. “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” Trump wrote. He followed this with a demand directed at Ukraine: “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!”
Trump further commented on the possibility of Ukraine rejecting a deal with Russia. “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
Although it remains uncertain whether Putin himself will attend any talks in Turkey, Zelensky swiftly responded after Trump’s social media post. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Ukrainian leader confirmed his intention to be in Turkey for possible peace discussions. He wrote, “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. 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 international community has not been informed whether representatives from the United States or the European nations commonly referred to as the “coalition of the willing” will attend the proposed talks in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the idea of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine has gained renewed attention following remarks from Putin earlier in the week.
In the early hours of Sunday, the Russian president offered a proposal for direct negotiations with Ukraine, aiming for what he called a lasting and comprehensive peace. Putin stated that the talks, planned for May 15 in Istanbul, would focus on addressing the root causes of the war, not merely establishing a temporary pause that would allow for future conflict.
“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said. “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.” He went on to emphasize that the initiative was already presented to Ukraine, placing the onus on its leadership. “Our proposal, as they say, is on the table. The decision is now up to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who are guided, it seems, by their personal political ambitions, and not by the interests of their peoples.”
Putin’s comments came in the aftermath of a stern demand made by European powers during a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday. Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom urged Putin to accept an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger “massive” new sanctions against Russia. However, Putin rejected what he described as “ultimatums” from Europe.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was among the European leaders in Kyiv, joined French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for discussions with Zelensky. The group also held a phone conversation with Trump, who, like them, had previously called for a short-term truce.
During his visit to Kyiv, Starmer reinforced the unity of the Western allies and their shared commitment to peace. “Together with the US,” he said, “we are calling Putin out” and pledged that if the Russian leader “turns his back on peace,” sanctions would be increased. Starmer added that the European coalition was determined to uphold the principles that were defended during World War II. “It was important to demonstrate that the values that underpin what was being fought for 80 years ago were the same values now, that we will step up and play our part to preserve the peace and bring about that ceasefire.”
In response to Putin’s Sunday announcement regarding the proposed direct talks, Macron welcomed the gesture but maintained skepticism. He labeled the Russian president’s offer as “a first step, but not enough.” Speaking to France 24 during his return journey from Kyiv, Macron explained that while Putin might be searching for an exit strategy, he was likely also trying to buy time. “An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,” Macron said, dismissing Putin’s plan as insufficient for a real breakthrough.
As both leaders prepare for what could be a significant diplomatic moment, questions remain about the sincerity of Putin’s offer and the likelihood of reaching any meaningful resolution. For now, Zelensky has made clear his willingness to attend and participate in the talks, awaiting his Russian counterpart’s arrival in Turkey on Thursday. The global community watches closely, hoping that diplomacy might finally offer a path toward peace after months of devastation and loss.