Kyiv, May 13 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for ceasefire talks in Istanbul later this week, following a push from U.S. President Donald Trump for immediate engagement with Moscow.
In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky said he expects a full ceasefire to begin on Monday, which he described as a necessary step to enable diplomacy aimed at ending the war.
“I will be waiting for Putin in Turkiye on Thursday,” Zelensky wrote, signaling Kyiv’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic resolution after more than two years of conflict.
The move comes amid mounting international pressure for a negotiated settlement and renewed efforts by global leaders to de-escalate hostilities. Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential mediator, reportedly urged Zelensky to accept an offer for talks with the Kremlin without delay. There was no immediate comment from the Russian government on whether Putin would attend the proposed meeting.
Since the start of the war in February 2022, efforts at direct negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders have faltered. A ceasefire, if implemented as anticipated, would mark the most significant breakthrough in months and could pave the way for broader peace talks.
Zelensky has consistently stated that any resolution must include a complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
