6 hours ago
Last Updated:May 12, 2025, 09:44 IST
Zelenskyy accepted Putin's proposal for "direct talks" between the two countries in Turkey on May 15, raising hopes of a possible ceasefire.
Russia-Ukraine peace talks to be held on May 15 (AP Image)
As “direct talks" are all set to be held between Russia and Ukraine on May 15 in Turkey, hopes as well as questions have risen about the possibility of an end to the three-year-long war between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to hold “direct talks" with Kyiv, in a significant development since the last failed talks that took place weeks into the war. In response, Zelenskyy said that he is prepared to meet Putin this week.
Zelenskyy’s confirmation came after US President Donald Trump urged him to “immediately" accept Putin’s offer to hold peace talks in Turkey.
European leaders had met in Kyiv on Saturday and rallied behind Ukraine, giving an ultimatum to Russia to agree to an “unconditional" 30-day ceasefire by Monday or face “massive" latest sanctions.
According to Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, President Trump backed the demand of the Europeans.
Putin, who addressed late that night, proposed holding “direct talks" with Ukraine in Turkey on May 15, however, did not mention anything about the ultimatum.
Ukraine’s allies stressed on Sunday that there could be no talks with Putin before he agrees to an unconditional ceasefire. However, Trump stepped in and asked Ukraine to “immediately" agree to meet the Russians.
“HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Within an hour of Trump’s post, Zelenskyy said that he was ready to meet Putin, which would be the first meeting between the two leaders since the war began 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 said on X.
Location :Kyiv, Ukraine
First Published:News world Will Russia-Ukraine Reach Ceasefire? Zelenskyy Ready To Meet Putin In Turkey | Updates
