Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed plans for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this Thursday, urging Moscow to start a full ceasefire by Monday, May 12. The peace effort comes amid growing international pressure to stop the war and begin real negotiations.
Ukraine Pushes for Peace as Turkey Prepares to Host Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey for direct peace talks. He called on Moscow to agree to a full and lasting ceasefire starting Monday, May 12, ahead of the scheduled summit.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is fully prepared to enter face-to-face discussions to end the conflict. He emphasized that without an official ceasefire, any attempt at diplomacy would be meaningless.
“There is no reason to prolong the killing even one more day,” Zelenskyy posted on X, urging Russia to confirm its commitment to stop all military actions.
Putin Avoids Clear Ceasefire Commitment
While Russia has proposed unconditional peace talks in Istanbul, President Putin has not yet confirmed whether he will attend the summit personally. In his latest remarks, Putin avoided committing to a full ceasefire.
Still, Zelenskyy saw the proposal for direct talks as a positive step. He said it could be the start of a new phase in diplomacy—provided Russia proves it is serious.
He welcomed what he called a “long-awaited signal” from Moscow but warned that action must follow words.
Western Leaders Support 30-Day Truce Plan
On Saturday, Zelenskyy met with several European leaders in Kyiv, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. All backed a proposed 30-day ceasefire aimed at opening space for diplomacy and reducing civilian suffering.
The European Union and the United States have both voiced strong support for this truce initiative.
In a statement, US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s invitation for talks in Turkey. He stressed the urgency of the moment.
“Have the meeting, now,” Trump said, calling the summit “essential” for testing Russia’s true intentions.
Turkey Steps Up as Neutral Host
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that his country is ready to host the peace summit in Istanbul. He spoke by phone on Sunday with both Putin and Macron, offering full support for the upcoming talks.
The Kremlin later released a statement confirming Erdogan’s offer and welcomed Turkey’s role in the process.
Erdogan called the meeting a “historic turning point” and promised to provide a neutral platform for both parties. He added that Turkey is committed to helping end the war through meaningful diplomacy.
A Chance for Real Progress—or More Delay?
Zelenskyy confirmed that he will travel to Turkey this week and again urged Putin to join him in person. He warned against further excuses or stalling tactics and made clear that the time for vague promises is over.
“Diplomacy only works when violence stops,” he said.
As both sides prepare for Thursday’s meeting, pressure is rising to deliver results. Many observers see this summit as one of the most significant chances in recent months to reduce fighting and move toward a negotiated solution.
International Community Awaits Clear Answers
The days leading up to the summit will be critical. The world will be watching for signs of real change—especially whether Russia will halt its military actions ahead of the meeting.
If a ceasefire begins on Monday as proposed, it could open the door to deeper negotiations and renewed trust between the two nations.