Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to “do everything” to ensure direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday. The meeting could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with global pressure mounting for a ceasefire.
Zelensky’s comments came during a hastily-arranged briefing in Kyiv, where he confirmed his travel plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He emphasized his commitment to making the meeting with Putin happen, despite uncertainty over Russia’s participation.
“We will do everything to ensure that this meeting takes place,” Zelensky stated, signaling his readiness for negotiations. This would be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since December 2019, with the last round of direct talks occurring in Istanbul in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
While Russia has yet to confirm its delegation, the Kremlin has stated that any decision to attend will be made “as soon as Putin deems it necessary.” Moscow has previously insisted on tough pre-conditions for peace talks, which Ukraine and its allies have rejected. In response, Zelensky outlined his priority for a 30-day ceasefire, which he claims has the backing of Ukraine’s allies, including the US.
As tensions rise, Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have hinted at possible diplomatic interventions. Trump suggested he might travel to Istanbul if he believes the situation warrants it. Meanwhile, senior US envoys are expected to be present in Turkey during the talks, further elevating the international stakes.
However, Russia’s stance remains cautious. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations for the Thursday talks are underway but downplayed speculation about Putin’s personal involvement.
The outcome of the talks in Istanbul is uncertain, but the global community is closely watching as Zelensky and Putin face the possibility of a historic diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
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- Zelensky’s Diplomatic Strategy in Ukraine’s War
- US Role in Facilitating Peace Talks
- EU Sanctions Against Russia and Ukraine’s Allies
For further details, check out the Reuters coverage on Putin and Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts.
The European Union is also preparing additional sanctions. For more updates on EU sanctions, visit The Guardian’s political coverage.
