Zelensky Invites Putin to Istanbul for Peace Talks Amid Renewed Push for Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a direct invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for in-person peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough amid the ongoing war. The bold move follows growing international pressure for a 30-day ceasefire and renewed dialogue between the warring nations.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday, Zelensky confirmed he would travel to Türkiye and was ready to meet Putin, conditional on Russia initiating a ceasefire starting Monday. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” Zelensky stated.
Trump Calls for Immediate Talks
The announcement came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s proposal for direct talks in Turkey. In a social media post, Trump emphasized the urgency of the meeting: “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible. Have the meeting, now!”
Read more: US Halts Aid to Ukraine as Trump’s Tense Clash with Zelenskyy Escalates
Russia’s Response and Ceasefire Conditions
In a televised address on Saturday, Putin acknowledged the possibility of a new truce and called for “serious negotiations” with Ukraine. However, he stopped short of agreeing to the 30-day ceasefire suggested by Western leaders. The Kremlin continues to demand a halt to Western arms supplies to Kyiv before entering any negotiations.
“We are open to talks, but not at the cost of our national security,” Putin said, adding that ceasefire efforts should not serve as cover for Ukraine to regroup with Western military aid.
European Leaders Back Ceasefire Plan
This flurry of diplomatic activity follows a significant gathering in Kyiv on Saturday, where Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, and Polish PM Donald Tusk. The leaders jointly proposed an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire across air, sea, and land, calling it essential to restart peace negotiations.
They also warned that failure to honor the ceasefire could lead to “massive new sanctions” on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that U.S. President Joe Biden “fully supports” the peace initiative.
Talks in Istanbul Could Mark Turning Point
This is the most serious attempt to restart peace talks since negotiations collapsed in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion. While both Kyiv and Moscow now appear open to renewed dialogue, deep divisions remain. Ukraine demands a full Russian withdrawal from occupied territories, while the Kremlin insists on international recognition of its annexations and long-term security guarantees.
Zelensky’s challenge to Putin is seen as a high-stakes gamble to test Moscow’s commitment to peace. “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” he said.
The Kremlin has yet to officially respond. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Sunday that Moscow will “consider the proposal seriously,” but did not confirm whether Putin would attend the Istanbul meeting.
With the conflict now in its third year, the prospect of a direct meeting between the two leaders offers a rare glimmer of hope — however tentative — for de-escalation and long-term peace.
