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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, saying that only direct talks with Putin could end the war. The request underscores growing urgency in Kyiv to push for a ceasefire, as Russian strikes continue to claim civilian lives in Ukraine.
Zelensky: “This is His War”
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky declared that Putin remains the key figure in the conflict and must be confronted directly.
“This is his war, therefore, the negotiations should be with him,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader warned that if Putin fails to attend the proposed meeting in Turkey, the West should respond with massive sanctions, branding any refusal as evidence that the Kremlin has no intention of ending the war.
Trump’s Role in Potential Breakthrough Talks
Trump, currently on a four-day Middle East tour, confirmed from Riyadh that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be part of the American delegation at the proposed Istanbul talks, suggesting that progress is possible.
“It could be some pretty good results,” Trump said of the upcoming meeting.
Trump also hinted he was “thinking” about personally attending the talks in Turkey, a move Zelensky said could boost the likelihood of Putin’s participation.
“If he [Trump] confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come,” Zelensky noted.
Renewed Diplomatic Push Amid Escalating Violence
The summit, which may be hosted either in Istanbul or Ankara, would mark the first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
During that initial stage, negotiations held in Istanbul failed to produce a ceasefire agreement, and subsequent contacts have been limited to prisoner exchanges and humanitarian arrangements.
Trump Claims U.S. Averted Nuclear War Between India and Pakistan
Meanwhile, Russia continues its military offensives, including a recent airstrike in Kharkiv that killed two civilians, highlighting the pressing need for dialogue.
Russia Sends Mixed Signals
While Putin proposed renewed talks in a recent Kremlin address, Moscow has not confirmed whether he will attend the Turkey summit. The Kremlin has also refrained from naming its delegation.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia would use the talks to reaffirm its objectives, including the controversial aims of “de-Nazification” of Ukraine and formal incorporation of seized territories into Russia—narratives firmly rejected by Kyiv and Western allies.
The Kremlin also dismissed European ceasefire demands as “ultimatums,” suggesting continued reluctance to compromise.
Pressure Builds from Europe and the West
European leaders are rallying behind the idea of a ceasefire, warning Russia of fresh consequences if it refuses to engage.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have both warned that Moscow faces additional sanctions unless there is “real progress” this week.
The European Union, which has already imposed 16 rounds of sanctions on Russia, appears poised for further action.
“I don’t think he dares,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, doubting Putin’s willingness to appear in person at the summit.
Macron, meanwhile, praised Ukraine’s pragmatism, saying:
“Ukrainians have the clear-sightedness to say they do not have the capacity to retake everything that has been taken since 2014.”
Erdogan’s Role and Turkish Diplomacy
Zelensky also confirmed he would meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday or Thursday. Turkey has long positioned itself as a neutral mediator in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, having hosted early ceasefire talks in 2022.
Ankara’s balancing act between NATO commitments and its close economic ties with Moscow could prove crucial in facilitating any potential face-to-face dialogue.
Stakes High for All Parties
The proposed summit in Turkey could offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise stalled diplomatic landscape. However, doubts remain about Putin’s willingness to engage in direct dialogue and accept even a temporary halt in hostilities.
With millions displaced, tens of thousands killed, and Russia occupying around 20% of Ukrainian territory, the stakes are enormous for both Kyiv and Moscow.
As Zelensky doubles down on diplomacy and Trump weighs a direct role in negotiations, all eyes are now on whether Putin will break his silence and attend what could be a decisive meeting in Turkey.
