Zelenskyy accepts offer of meeting with Ptuin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey. This meeting comes after Putin proposed the idea over the weekend and President Donald Trump urged Zelenskyy to accept the offer. Putin emphasized that the talks in Istanbul should take place without any preconditions and with the goal of achieving lasting peace.

Zelenskyy expressed his desire for a full and lasting ceasefire to begin immediately in order to create a conducive environment for diplomacy. He stated, “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.”

Trump also encouraged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s meeting proposal, highlighting the importance of engaging in dialogue to assess the possibility of reaching a deal. The meeting between the two leaders is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Istanbul, marking the first time they will meet face-to-face since the 2022 invasion.

Putin, who has been reluctant to make concessions thus far, now asserts that the talks should address the root causes of the conflict. He mentioned that he would be speaking with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to facilitate the negotiations, with the aim of potentially reaching a ceasefire agreement.

The proposal for direct talks from Putin followed calls from European leaders in Kyiv for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or the imposition of new sanctions. Putin dismissed these demands as “ultimatums” and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to achieve sustainable peace.

As the negotiations approach, there remains optimism that Moscow and Kyiv may reach agreements on new truces or ceasefires. Putin expressed openness to the possibility of establishing a framework for a long-term peace process during the talks in Turkey.

In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin holds significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders have the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution. The international community will be closely monitoring the outcome of these talks, as they have the potential to pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.