Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday, marking a bold move amid growing global calls for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the ongoing war.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, Zelensky said he would be in Türkiye and ready to meet with Putin in person, provided Russia agrees to a ceasefire starting Monday. He emphasized that the violence must stop, adding that he would personally wait for Putin in Türkiye.
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This invitation came shortly after former US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s proposal for direct talks in Turkey, stressing that the meeting could determine if a diplomatic solution is possible. Putin had previously suggested “serious negotiations” and the possibility of a truce during a televised speech, although he did not explicitly agree to the 30-day ceasefire requested by Western leaders. He stated that any pause in fighting should not be used by Ukraine to rearm with Western military aid.
The renewed diplomatic efforts follow a high-level meeting in Kyiv where Zelensky hosted European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. They proposed an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, warning that failure to comply would lead to major sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its energy and banking sectors.
This renewed push for peace marks a significant effort since direct negotiations collapsed in Istanbul in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Both sides seem open to talks in principle, but major differences remain over territory and sovereignty. Ukrainian officials demand a full Russian withdrawal from occupied territories, while Russia insists on recognition of its annexations and security guarantees.
Zelensky’s challenge to Putin highlights the urgency of the situation, calling for a ceasefire to enable meaningful diplomacy. It remains uncertain whether Moscow will respond favorably to the invitation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia would “consider the proposal seriously” without confirming attendance. As the war continues to cause daily casualties, the possibility of high-level talks, though uncertain, offers a rare opportunity for diplomacy in a conflict that has already stretched into its third year.
