**Ukraine’s Zelensky Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Meeting Looms**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his expectation of a ceasefire following a potential in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks, which may take place on May 15 in Istanbul, could be a breakthrough in stalled diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky stated that he will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara but is ready to travel to Istanbul if Putin chooses to attend the negotiations. “We will be waiting to meet with Putin in Turkey,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that this would prevent Moscow from manipulating public opinion by claiming that Putin is not willing to fly to Ankara but is ready for talks in Istanbul.
The meeting, if it occurs, would mark the first direct negotiations between Zelensky and Putin since 2019. The Ukrainian president has made it clear that Kyiv demands an unconditional ceasefire, which he believes can only be guaranteed by Putin himself.
**Diplomatic Efforts Gain Momentum**
The proposed talks come as international pressure mounts on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. Multiple European capitals have called for a 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12, but Moscow has refused the proposal and continued to launch strikes across Ukraine in recent days. Zelensky urged Putin to attend the negotiations, stating that if he doesn’t show up, it would be a clear signal that Russia is not ready to end the war.
In response to this call, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the talks, calling them “very important” and saying he “strongly pushed” for them to happen. However, CNN reported that Trump’s attendance at the meeting would largely depend on whether Putin would arrive as well.
The presence of Trump’s special envoys, Keith Kellogg and Steve Witkoff, in Istanbul has been confirmed. They will observe the negotiations, regardless of Trump’s own attendance.
**What Does it Mean?**
This development could mark a significant shift in Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s invasion. The meeting would be a direct attempt to engage with Putin himself, as opposed to his envoys or other Russian officials. If successful, this could lead to an unconditional ceasefire and potentially pave the way for a broader peace agreement.
However, it remains to be seen whether Putin will indeed attend the talks and commit to a ceasefire. His decision on this matter could have far-reaching implications not only for Ukraine but also for the global community, which has been watching with bated breath as tensions between Russia and its Western adversaries escalate.
Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.
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