Zelensky Agrees To Meet With Putin On Thursday, Urges Trump’s Attendance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted Vladimir Putin’s
offer of direct, in-person negotiations after being cautioned by
President Donald Trump, with the Ukrainian leader expressing that he
would “appreciate” if Trump could attend as well.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has advocated for direct
negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a move that
President Trump has advised Zelensky to approach, but with caution.
This development coincides with European leaders announcing the
imposition of sanctions on Russia, contingent upon Putin’s refusal to
implement a 30-day ceasefire set to commence on Monday.
Despite the ceasefire demand, Putin proposed direct negotiations to
begin in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, to which President Trump
responded, writing that “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
“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,” Trump continued,
in a Truth Social post on Sunday.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly undermined the
proposed meeting on Thursday, arguing that there should not be any
negotiations without a ceasefire already in place.
“In Kyiv and alongside President Trump, we made a clear proposal: an
unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday,” Macron wrote in an X
post on Sunday. “There can be no negotiations while weapons are
speaking. There can be no dialogue if, at the same time, civilians are
being bombed. A ceasefire is needed now, so that talks can begin. For
peace.”
In Kyiv and alongside President Trump, we made a clear proposal: an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
President Zelensky committed without setting any condition. We now expect an equally clear response from Russia.
Zelensky issued a post of his own in response to President Trump’s
assertion on Thursday, explaining that he would like a ceasefire, but
that he is also willing to meet with Putin regardless.
“I have just heard President Trump’s statement. Very important words.
I supported @POTUS idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire — long
enough to provide the foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are
ready to uphold silence on our end. I supported President Trump with the
idea of direct talks with Putin. I have openly expressed my readiness
to meet. I will be in Türkiye. I hope that the Russians will not evade
the meeting,” he wrote on Monday.
Zelensky further stated that he would “appreciate it if President
Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Türkiye. This is the
right idea. We can change a lot.”
I have just heard President Trump's statement. Very important words.
I supported @POTUS
idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire — long enough to provide the
foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are ready to uphold
silence on our end.
I supported President Trump…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 12, 2025
Additionally, Trump was already mulling the idea of joining the peace
talks in Turkey on Monday, as he is set to travel to the Middle East on
Monday, meeting with multiple Middle Eastern nations in his second
major overseas trip of his second term.
“I was thinking about flying over. I’m not sure where I’ll be on
Thursday,” he said. “I have so many meetings… But there’s a possibility,
I suppose, if I think something productive could happen.”
“There’s the potential for a good meeting,” Trump continued. “Don’t
underestimate Thursday in Turkey—President Erdogan is a great host.”
Just
this weekend Trump: announced a trade deal with China, brokered an in
person meeting between Ukraine and Russia, helped stop a potential war
between India and Pakistan, announced an end to big pharma US
profiteering, & got the final American hostage released by Hamas.
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