As discussions loom between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin’s potential attendance remains unclear, igniting hope yet skepticism around a possible resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Kremlin Keeps Silence on Putin's Potential Meeting with Zelensky
Kremlin Keeps Silence on Putin's Potential Meeting with Zelensky
Uncertainty surrounds the possibility of peace talks as Trump proposes attending negotiations in Turkey.
The Kremlin has yet to confirm if President Vladimir V. Putin will join President Volodymyr Zelensky in talks this week, even as U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to attend negotiations in Turkey to advocate for peace. Despite calls for immediate discussions from Mr. Putin, he has sidelined demands from Ukraine and its western allies for a cease-fire by the previous Monday, warning of further sanctions should Russia not comply.
This weekend, Trump encouraged Ukraine to seize the moment for talks, leading Zelensky to announce his own presence in Turkey, presenting the challenge to Mr. Putin to attend as well. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov remained non-committal on the delegation's composition when asked, only stating, “As soon as the president sees it fit, we will announce” details.
Trump’s involvement has amplified the stakes of the negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul, with his administration growing impatient over the stagnation in efforts to establish a truce. News suggests he recently voiced doubts regarding Putin's desire to conclude the war.
Ukraine's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, reiterated this urgency, stating that if Putin opts not to attend, it would signal Russia's lack of intent to negotiate effectively. Yermak strongly emphasized that a refusal would indicate an unwillingness to engage in peace discussions.
Additionally, Ukrainian allies have intensified their calls for Moscow to acknowledge an unconditional 30-day truce, a proposal that Ukraine accepted swiftly after its introduction by the U.S. in early March. Recently, European leaders visiting Kyiv asserted there was a deadline for Putin to accept the ceasefire, warning of impending sanctions if he did not comply. As of now, no new sanctions have been put forth by Ukraine’s allies.
This weekend, Trump encouraged Ukraine to seize the moment for talks, leading Zelensky to announce his own presence in Turkey, presenting the challenge to Mr. Putin to attend as well. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov remained non-committal on the delegation's composition when asked, only stating, “As soon as the president sees it fit, we will announce” details.
Trump’s involvement has amplified the stakes of the negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul, with his administration growing impatient over the stagnation in efforts to establish a truce. News suggests he recently voiced doubts regarding Putin's desire to conclude the war.
Ukraine's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, reiterated this urgency, stating that if Putin opts not to attend, it would signal Russia's lack of intent to negotiate effectively. Yermak strongly emphasized that a refusal would indicate an unwillingness to engage in peace discussions.
Additionally, Ukrainian allies have intensified their calls for Moscow to acknowledge an unconditional 30-day truce, a proposal that Ukraine accepted swiftly after its introduction by the U.S. in early March. Recently, European leaders visiting Kyiv asserted there was a deadline for Putin to accept the ceasefire, warning of impending sanctions if he did not comply. As of now, no new sanctions have been put forth by Ukraine’s allies.
