**Potential Breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Zelensky Invites Putin to Turkey for Peace Talks**
In a developing story, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct peace talks in Turkey on May 15. This move comes as the two nations have been embroiled in conflict since 2022.
According to Kremlin sources, preparations are underway for the potential talks, but it remains unclear whether Putin will attend himself. The invitation marks a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
**Trump’s Optimism and Potential Involvement**
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the potential meeting between the two leaders, suggesting he might even join as well during his four-day Middle Eastern tour. “Thursday’s meeting between Russia and Ukraine is very important,” Trump said. “I strongly pushed for it to happen. I think good things can come from it.”
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Kellogg, and Witkoff, the official Middle East envoy who leads negotiations with Kyiv and Moscow, are expected to travel to Turkey to observe the talks regardless of whether Trump joins.
**Concerns Over Putin’s Absence**
Witkoff has faced criticism for pushing Russian talking points on Ukraine and the war, while Kellogg has been more closely engaged with Ukrainian officials. If Putin declines to attend, Ukraine has signaled that it would not meet a lower-level Russian official, indicating that only the Russian president can make a decision regarding the conflict.
Ukraine’s Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak emphasized that “only Putin can make a decision to continue the war or stop the war.” The country and its European allies have urged an unconditional ceasefire starting on May 12 as the first step towards peace, but Russia has ignored this proposal, continuing its attacks on Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Position**
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Putin’s attendance, Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is ready for all options. A source close to the president said that “We are separately waiting for a response on the ceasefire.” This suggests that Ukraine remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution but will not compromise on its conditions.
The last face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky took place in 2019 during a Normandy Format summit. Since then, there have been no direct in-person meetings between the two leaders. The potential breakthrough in Turkey comes as Ukraine seeks an unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for further negotiations.
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