Egypt Daily News – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, next Thursday in Turkey—an indication that direct talks between the two sides may resume after a break of more than two years.
In a post on his official account on the platform “X,” Zelensky expressed Kyiv’s hope for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire starting tomorrow, calling it “a necessary foundation for diplomacy.” He added, “There is no benefit in the continued massacres.” He confirmed his intention to meet with Putin in Turkey, expressing hope that the Russians “won’t look for excuses this time.”
In contrast, Zelensky emphasized the need for Moscow to adhere to a “complete, sustainable, and reliable” ceasefire lasting for 30 days to ensure a safe and effective environment for negotiations.
This development comes just hours after a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed doubts about Kyiv’s ability to reach an agreement with Moscow, saying, “I’m beginning to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin.”
Russian President Putin had proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without preconditions, a proposal he reaffirmed in statements carried by Russian media on Sunday. He said, “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks they broke off in 2022, and I confirm, without any preconditions.”
He also mentioned his intention to contact Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to request his assistance in facilitating these negotiations. In this context, Turkish media reported that Erdoğan informed French President Emmanuel Macron, during a phone call, that Turkey was ready to host talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia had unilaterally announced a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazism, which expired on Saturday. However, Ukraine accused Russian forces of repeatedly violating it. The Kremlin also accused Kyiv of trying to disrupt Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.
It’s worth noting that the United States proposed a temporary immediate ceasefire for 30 days in March, which Ukraine agreed to, but Russia rejected, demanding conditions more aligned with its interests.
Earlier on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump urged both Ukraine and Russia to meet for negotiations without waiting for a ceasefire. While Moscow has proposed direct talks, Kyiv has insisted on a truce first.
Trump said, “Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine but instead wants a meeting on Thursday in Turkey to negotiate a possible end to the bloodshed. Ukraine should accept this immediately.”
He added, “This would at least allow both sides to determine whether an agreement is possible. If not, then European leaders and the United States can act accordingly.”
On Saturday, Kyiv and its Western allies, in coordination with the U.S., issued a warning to Moscow demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, threatening “massive sanctions” if Russia refuses.
For his part, Putin proposed “direct” and “unconditional” negotiations with Ukraine starting May 15 in Istanbul, without responding to the European-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal, and instead signaled his intention to coordinate with Turkish President Erdoğan.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told his French counterpart that efforts to end the war had reached a “historic turning point,” and informed Putin that Turkey is prepared to host negotiations between the two sides, according to a statement from his office.
