Zelenskyy agrees to meet Putin as Trump calls for immediate negotiations
In a surprising public statement on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced concern over the upcoming Ukraine-Russia peace talks scheduled to take place in Türkiye, expressing skepticism that a ceasefire deal will be reached.
“I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding,
“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.”
Despite his doubts, Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to agree to the meeting without delay:
“Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible.”
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Zelenskyy announced he would meet Putin in Türkiye on Thursday, marking what would be the first direct dialogue between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
“I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally, I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses,” Zelenskyy stated on social platform X.
The proposal for talks came after European leaders issued a joint statement calling for a 30-day ceasefire, warning of severe sanctions if Moscow failed to comply. Notably, Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that Trump supports the European peace push.
While Ukraine’s allies have insisted on an unconditional ceasefire before any negotiation, Trump’s direct pressure seems to have shifted the balance, prompting Zelenskyy’s acceptance of the Turkish talks.
This high-stakes meeting could either pave the path to peace or expose the depth of the deadlock. The world watches closely as the two presidents prepare to meet in Ankara.
