Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in person in Turkey on Thursday, as part of renewed efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between the two countries.
The decision comes after Zelenskyy publicly stated that his administration was “ready to meet” Russian officials, following Putin’s proposal for peace talks. The Russian leader’s offer is contingent on an unconditional ceasefire, set to begin on Monday, which would last 30 days.
Putin suggested Istanbul as the location for the meeting after receiving mounting pressure from European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who warned that Russia could face a new round of sanctions if it failed to comply with the proposed ceasefire.
In a statement posted to the social media platform X, President Zelenskyy said, “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. I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, posting on Truth Social Sunday that Ukraine should accept the invitation “immediately.”
Trump wrote, “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the bloodbath. Ukraine should agree to this, immediately.”
Trump added that at the very least, the meeting would clarify whether peace was possible. “If it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly,” he wrote.
He further expressed doubt about Ukraine’s willingness to reach a deal with Putin, who he said was “too busy celebrating the Victory of World War II, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America.”
Trump had earlier praised the potential meeting, calling it “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and saying he would work with both sides to help ensure it takes place.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed he “fully supported” the proposal and was prepared to host the summit in Istanbul. Erdogan and Putin reportedly discussed the talks during a phone call on Sunday.
Despite this diplomatic momentum, military and security experts remain cautious. Speaking to Sky News, defence analyst Michael Clarke described the next few days as critical, noting “there is a long way between now and Thursday” and warning of “a fair bit of brinkmanship” still at play.
Clarke also cast doubt on the outcome of the proposed talks, suggesting that even if they proceed, the chances of an actual ceasefire emerging are slim. “The Russians will keep playing this out,” he said.
Putin’s proposal followed a high-level meeting in Kyiv between Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The five leaders met to bolster their unified position and agreed to press Putin into negotiations.
According to reports, the coalition secured Trump’s backing during a 20-minute phone call, where they briefed him on recent developments in what they’ve described as a “coalition of the willing.”
The proposed Thursday summit in Turkey could represent the most significant diplomatic opening in months—though the path to peace remains uncertain.
