Kyiv [Ukraine]: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on US President Donald Trump to support and attend a proposed round of peace talks with Russia in Türkiye, under the mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy and expressed readiness to travel to Türkiye for the discussions.
Zelenskyy Calls for International Support as Russia Maintains Silence
In a video message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy said that Russia has not responded to the latest ceasefire proposals and continues to launch “shelling and assaults” across Ukrainian territory.
“Ukraine has always supported diplomacy. I am ready to come to Türkiye. Unfortunately, the world still has not received a clear response from Russia to the numerous proposals for a ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized the importance of US support:
“It is important that President Trump fully supports the meeting, and we would like him to find an opportunity to come to Türkiye.”
Putin Proposes May 15 Peace Talks in Istanbul Without Preconditions
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting they begin as early as May 15 in Istanbul, without any preconditions.
In a televised address via the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putin stated:
“We suggest the authorities in Kyiv to resume direct talks, which they themselves interrupted in 2022… We propose to start the talks without delay, next week, on May 15, in Istanbul.”
Putin praised Türkiye’s previous role as a host and referenced the aborted 2022 draft peace agreement, blaming Western influence for halting progress at that time.
Türkiye as a Diplomatic Bridge
President Erdoğan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to host renewed negotiations. Türkiye previously hosted early rounds of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, before negotiations broke down amid escalations and mounting international pressure.
Context: A Devastating and Prolonged Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine war is now in its third year, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conflict has led to:
- Thousands of deaths
- Millions displaced
- Severe economic and infrastructural devastation
Despite multiple efforts, a sustainable peace settlement has remained elusive.
Conclusion
With Russia extending an olive branch and Ukraine reiterating its openness to diplomacy, the international spotlight is now on whether the United States and other global stakeholders will support and participate in efforts to bring the warring sides back to the table.