Kyiv, May 12 (V7N) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct talks aimed at ending the ongoing war. The high-stakes summit is expected to be held in Turkey on Thursday, May 15.

Zelensky made the announcement in a message posted on social media platform X on Sunday. He emphasized that Ukraine expects a complete and permanent ceasefire beginning Monday, which would establish the groundwork for the upcoming diplomatic negotiations.

“There is no point in prolonging this killing,” Zelensky wrote. “I will personally wait for President Putin in Turkey on Thursday.”

Zelensky had earlier proposed a 30-day ceasefire from Russia ahead of any formal peace talks. This offer appears to be a strategic move to create a favorable atmosphere for the summit.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the development, stating in a message late Sunday that Putin is not interested in a ceasefire agreement, but rather wants immediate direct talks. Trump urged Ukraine to seize the opportunity, saying it should “accept it now.”

The potential meeting, if it takes place, would mark the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. It could signal a significant turning point in the war, now entering its third year.

END/MSS/AJ