Trump and world leaders back talks with Putin in Türkiye - Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is ready to engage in direct talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. This decision has been supported by US President Donald Trump, as well as other world leaders.
The Ukrainian president noted that Ukraine expects a complete and unconditional ceasefire starting tomorrow. In particular, Kyiv is awaiting a clear response from Moscow.
"Starting tomorrow, we await a ceasefire — this proposal is on the table. A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could significantly bring peace closer. Ukraine has long proposed this, our partners are proposing it, and the whole world is calling for it. We await a clear response from Russia. Russia will have to end this war anyway. The killings must stop," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He added that Ukrainian forces would respond in kind, ensuring fairness.
The Ukrainian president also pointed out that Ukraine has repeatedly heard from its partners that they are prepared to strengthen sanctions against Russia if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy reiterated that he will be in Istanbul on May 15, where he will personally await Putin for negotiations. This idea has been supported by both Trump and other leaders.
“Here in Ukraine, we have absolutely no problem engaging in negotiations. We are ready for any format. I will be in Türkiye this Thursday, May 15, and I expect Putin to come to Türkiye as well. Personally, I hope that this time, Putin won’t be looking for excuses as to why he can't make it. We are ready to talk, to end this war. Thursday. Türkiye. President Trump has expressed support. All the leaders support this,” he concluded.
Background
Yesterday, Ukraine, together with the US and the Coalition of the Willing, called on Russia to begin a full ceasefire by Monday, May 12, or face sanctions.
That evening, Putin issued a statement where he ignored this request but proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul.
Ukraine, European leaders, US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, and even Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom Putin spoke with today, backed the idea of negotiations but stressed that a ceasefire must come first.
A few hours ago, Trump posted on social media urging Ukraine to agree to the Istanbul talks immediately. Zelenskyy soon followed with a post announcing he would personally await Putin in Istanbul.
Axios, citing sources, reported that Zelenskyy would still be in Istanbul even if Russia does not halt its fire starting tomorrow.
