Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday. The meeting would take place in Istanbul, but Zelenskyy made one condition clear: Russia must agree to a full ceasefire by Monday. He said this step is needed to create a serious path to peace.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy said, “Stopping the fighting is the first step toward real peace.” He warned that each day of violence makes talks harder and more painful. If Russia halts attacks, he added, Ukraine is ready to begin direct talks.
The peace proposal has wide international support. Leaders from Germany, France, the UK, and Poland visited Kyiv on Saturday to support Ukraine’s call for a 30-day ceasefire. The United States and European Union also support the plan and say it is the only way to move forward.
Putin Offers Talks Without a Truce
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not confirmed a ceasefire. In a late-night media appearance, he said he was open to talks in Turkey but refused to commit to ending the fighting. He also did not say whether he would attend the meeting in person.
Zelenskyy replied that he would attend the Istanbul talks on Thursday and expected Putin to do the same. In a new post on X, he urged Russia to stop delaying and take the peace process seriously. “Stalling negotiations only increases the suffering and the world’s anger,” he wrote.
Several European leaders warned that if Russia ignores the ceasefire proposal, new sanctions will follow. Ukraine remains firm: the violence must end before peace talks begin.
Turkey Offers to Host Talks, Trump Pushes for Urgent Meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that Istanbul is ready to host the meeting. On Sunday, Erdogan spoke with Putin and promised full Turkish support. Turkey will provide all the help needed to make the talks happen.
Erdogan also reached out to French President Emmanuel Macron. He described the moment as a “historic chance for peace.” Turkey hopes to act as a bridge between the two sides and help move toward a long-term solution.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the talks. On social media, he urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s offer and meet in Istanbul. Trump said direct talks would “show both sides’ true intentions” and “open the door to peace.” He called any delay a waste of time.
According to Turkish officials, Erdogan offered to help “every step of the way.” He believes Turkey can play a major role in ending the war and avoiding further damage.
Global Pressure Builds for Peace
International support for a ceasefire is growing. NATO members and EU officials say a 30-day truce would give both sides time to talk. It would also allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in danger.
The conflict has lasted more than two years and caused major destruction in Ukraine. Millions have lost their homes. Thousands have died. Many fear that without peace, the damage will only grow.
Zelenskyy and Western leaders hope the Istanbul meeting will be a turning point. But for that to happen, Russia must stop its attacks. The pressure is now on Putin to show that he wants peace—not just words.
As Thursday’s date approaches, all eyes are on Moscow. Will Putin attend? Will he agree to the ceasefire? The world is waiting for answers.