Zelensky Prepares for Crucial Talks with Putin in Turkey

Zelensky's upcoming discussions in Istanbul may mark a pivotal moment, as he seeks a ceasefire while challenging Putin's willingness to negotiate.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced he will travel to Ankara, Turkey, to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and is open to direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on Thursday. "We will do everything to ensure that this meeting takes place," Zelensky stated during a sudden press briefing in Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming negotiations.

While Russia has yet to confirm who will represent them in Istanbul, they assured that an announcement would be made when Putin sees fit. The last time Zelensky and Putin met was in December 2019 in Paris, highlighting the gap in direct communication between the two leaders.

The last talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul occurred in March 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion began. Initially, Putin called for direct negotiations without preconditions, and Zelensky responded with his willingness to meet in person, expecting Putin to join him.

The U.S. is also anticipated to send a senior delegation, as Zelensky's visit aims to bolster pressure on Russia to participate in discussions. The Kremlin's response, however, has been dismissive of any ultimatums from Kyiv, describing the approach as "useless." Instead, Russia is focused on long-term solutions addressing what they consider the underlying causes of the conflict—demands that Ukraine and its allies have categorically rejected.

Zelensky expressed his desire for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, a proposal he claims has the support of Ukraine's allies, including the U.S. He noted that Putin's recent call for talks appeared to be a strategic move, intending to catch Kyiv off-guard in terms of response.

US President Donald Trump, on a visit to the Gulf region, mentioned he may fly to Istanbul "if I see potential for progress," although this seems uncertain. Reports suggest two senior U.S. envoys may join the talks.

The Kremlin has tempered speculation surrounding Putin's own attendance at the talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia is preparing for the scheduled negotiations, but Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov hinted at conditions influenced by the current situation in Ukraine's partially occupied regions.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated it would be fruitful for Zelensky and Putin to converse, yet doubted Putin's willingness to engage. Zelensky accused the Russian leader of being "scared" to meet him, and if Putin were to decline attending Istanbul talks, it would signal his unwillingness to pursue peace.

Leaders from Ukraine's key allies, including the UK, Germany, Poland, and France, recently traveled to Kyiv, warning of severe sanctions should Russia continue to reject the ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, the EU is in the process of formulating its 17th round of sanctions against Russia.