On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed starting direct peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions in Turkey this Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially responded by saying there must be a ceasefire before talks could be held. He later said that he was willing to meet with Putin in Istanbul this Thursday, but made clear it would still be conditional on a ceasefire.
“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings,” Zelesnky wrote on X. “And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
In his announcement proposing the talks, Putin said that Ukraine had rejected previous Russian ceasefire offers, including the three-day truce he declared for Russian Victory Day, which ended at midnight on May 11. Throughout the three days, both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire.
“I will repeat: we have proposed steps towards a ceasefire on many occasions. We have never refused to engage in dialogue with the Ukrainian side,” Putin said.
President Trump said that he wanted Ukraine to accept Putin’s offer for direct talks without a ceasefire. “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!” he added.
Despite Trump’s post, Zelensky said he expects a ceasefire to begin on Monday. “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,” he said.
European leaders have been threatening to increase sanctions on Russia and ramp up military aid to Ukraine if Moscow doesn’t agree to a 30-day ceasefire, and reportedly have the Trump administration’s support to do so.
Either Ukraine folds (Trump is demanding it but Zelensky has a mind of his own) or there won't be any talks. And I could repeat this comment for the rest of the year and probably even in 2026.
Putin wants Actual direct human to human talks…Zelenski wants Virtual Microsoft Team talks…!
AI, with the assistance of Unit 8200.
Ceasefire first… talks later – the new norm of diplomacy…!
Ukraine is setting condition for negotiation without conditions.
Minsk III
Well… sanctions have not worked with or without Trump…! Russia is in the position to tell EU & US to f-off…!
China would make the difference, but what would be their incentive. China is brutal on their 25 million Muslims, but all the oil rich Countries of the MENA region sell China all the oil they can buy. — The world needs to apply pressure on Putin.
You always have such a twisted slant on things.
The world does not see things your way. Putin is acting based on principle. Why would the "world" pressure Putin? The "world" sees Ukraine's behavior.
As defense against Russia
As one of the most corrupt nations BEFORE the SMO by Russia.
The SMO was to defend the Russian-speaking Ukraine citizens in the Donbas. Before Russian intervention, 14,000 had been killed by Kiev-NAZI shelling.
spouting putanic propoganda i see
'Why would the "world" pressure Putin?"—- Because he is almost exclusively targeting civilian populations.
What lies about weapons of mass destruction were for Iraq, lies about Uygur in Xinjiang are for China.
Atrocity fabrication is the word.
This has NOTHING to do with Trump. The EU and Trump are not working together on this,
Actually Trump supported the EU ultimatum though simultaneously he also supported Putin's proposition.
Trump on Truth Social "I'm the only president who can do that".
Interesting, only because Trump armed Ukraine during his first administration.
Then the withdrawal from the INF treaty.
Then the withdrawal from Open Skies.
Then sanctions.
Putin said Russia is ready to continue Istanbul peace negotiations from the point where it was terminated unilaterally by Ukrainian side, and have as a base the document signed in Istanbul by both Ukrainian and Russian heads of the delegations. Of course taking in account the changes on the ground and new situation.
"I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally" – Nonsense. The head of Russian delegation in February-April 2014 was Medinsky. This time Russian delegation is supposed to be led by Ushakov.
February-April 2022 of course; not 2014. The negotiations started in February 2022 four days after beginning of Russian military intervention and were terminated after arrival of Boris Johnson in Kiev. Now Putin proposed to accept the document which was signed by both sides in Istanbul in spring 2022 as the base for the new negotiations. Trump is okay about that.
Zelensky spinning in the wind. He knows if there is peace he will not exist very long!
Hauled away in an armored carrier, then exit in a casket.
Skip the armored carrier.
Z always flirts then backs off, because, he is stalling forever.
This is the last ultimatum. Z negotiates or dies.
“This is the last ultimatum.”
Yeah, every ultimatum before was the last ultimatum too, until the one after that.
Do your beliefs come from conservapedia?
how long can putin dance around the point my god hes annoying
Zelensky wants time to rearm and re-supply. That's what Zelensky "wants".