Zelensky Confirms Upcoming Talks in Turkey Amidst Ceasefire Efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet Turkish President Erdogan, seeking direct dialogue with Russian President Putin to secure a 30-day ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his intention to travel to Ankara, Turkey, to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, setting the stage for a possible direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky, speaking at a rushed news conference, emphasized that his goal is to ensure the talks occur on June 1 in Istanbul, marking the first meeting between the two leaders in over five years.

While Russia has yet to confirm who will attend the Istanbul meeting, a Kremlin spokesperson stated that details would emerge once Putin considers it appropriate. Direct discussions between Ukraine and Russia last took place in Istanbul during the early stages of the invasion in March 2022. Putin had previously called for discussions in Turkey "without pre-conditions," and Zelensky expressed readiness to attend, hoping Putin would do the same.

In a demonstration of urgency, Zelensky's public confirmation of his trip to Turkey aims to amplify pressure on Russia to engage. However, the Kremlin has indicated that it finds such pressure ineffective, insisting that negotiations should address the war's underlying issues and real-world conditions. Despite this, Zelensky maintains a focus on achieving a 30-day ceasefire, a stance supported by Ukraine's allies.

Zelensky accused Putin of attempting to manipulate negotiations in a way that would leave Kyiv without a favorable response, describing the timing of Putin's recent invitation as suspicious. While U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of attending the talks, the feasibility of his visit remains uncertain. Meanwhile, senior U.S. envoys are expected in Istanbul to bolster support.

The Kremlin has attempted to moderate speculation surrounding Putin's participation. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov affirmed that Russia is ready for serious negotiations but questioned Ukraine's commitment to any agreed terms. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas advocated for talks but expressed doubt that Putin would agree to meet, stating that he might be apprehensive of facing Zelensky.

Zelensky reiterated the importance of the volcanic support from Ukraine's main allies—such as the UK, Germany, Poland, and France—in pushing for a ceasefire, threatening additional sanctions if Russia does not comply. The European Union is currently drafting its 17th package of sanctions in response to the ongoing conflict.