**Turkey Offers to Host Meeting Between Russian and Ukrainian Leaders**
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to facilitate a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. This proposal comes as the two countries continue to engage in peace talks, with another round of negotiations taking place in Istanbul on June 2.
According to reports, Erdogan spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 2, suggesting that he would like to host a meeting between the four leaders – himself, US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky. Zelensky has expressed his readiness to take part in such talks, stating that he believes a meeting at the level of leaders is necessary for a ceasefire.
**Ukraine Seeks Ceasefire, Russia Proposes Limited Pause**
The proposal by Erdogan follows another round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul on June 2. While the two sides agreed to a new prisoners-of-war exchange, they were unable to reach a ceasefire. Zelensky criticized Russia’s proposal for a temporary two-to-three-day local ceasefire to allow for the retrieval of fallen soldiers’ bodies, saying that it is not a genuine attempt at a ceasefire.
Instead, Zelensky accused Russia of being unwilling to commit to a real ceasefire, stating that “they just don’t see a ceasefire as such at the moment.” This sentiment was echoed by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who said that Russia proposed the temporary local ceasefire to allow for the retrieval of fallen soldiers’ bodies.
**US President Open to Meeting**
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to take part in three-way peace talks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump is open to an invitation by Erdogan to hold such talks in Turkey.
The proposed meeting between the four leaders is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will lead to tangible progress towards a peace deal.
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