Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday he wanted to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Turkiye to negotiate a ceasefire deal.
“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. And I will be waiting for Putin in Turkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses,” Zelenskiy wrote on X. There has been no immediate comment from the Kremlin to Zelenskiy’s offer.
Zelenskiy’s comments came after US President Donald Trump urged Kyiv to hold direct talks with Russia in Turkiye on Thursday. Ukraine and its Western allies had called on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday. The proposal was rejected by Russia, with Kremlin insisting that direct negotiations must be held instead.
Trump said in social media on Sunday that Kyiv should agree to Putin’s peace proposal. “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!” Trump wrote, adding: “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
The Leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland issued a joint statement in Kyiv on Saturday, calling for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. The EU and US voiced support for the plan.
