Zelenskyy challenges Putin to attend the Istanbul talks in person

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious openness to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, 15 May, but insisted that a 30-day ceasefire must precede any negotiations.

The sudden momentum toward dialogue follows intense diplomatic activity, with sources suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump’s persistent pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow has been a key catalyst in bringing the warring parties to this juncture.

Trump posted on Sunday in his Truth Social platform, urging Putin and Zelenskyy to engage in direct peace talks to resolve the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. His post culminated in an emphatic, all-capitalized directive, “HAVE THAT MEETING, NOW,”

In a social media post late Sunday, Zelenskyy challenged Putin to attend the talks in person, stating, “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally.” He emphasized that a ceasefire starting Monday was non-negotiable, warning that Russia’s refusal would trigger a sharp escalation in Western sanctions, potentially backed by the United States.

The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s readiness for “serious talks” without preconditions, with Putin himself stating that the negotiations should address the “root causes” of the conflict to establish a lasting peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, underscored Russia’s resistance to external pressure, signaling Moscow’s intent to maintain its maximalist demands, including control over four eastern Ukrainian regions and Crimea.

Trump’s role in forcing the talks

The prospect of direct Russia-Ukraine talks marks a significant shift, as the two sides have not held public negotiations since early 2022. Analysts attribute this development to Trump’s aggressive diplomatic push since taking office in January 2025. During his campaign, Trump vowed to end the war within 24 hours, a promise he later tempered but pursued through a combination of coercive tactics and public ultimatums. His administration has reportedly pressured Ukraine by halting most military aid and intelligence sharing, while simultaneously engaging directly with Putin, including through special envoy Steve Witkoff’s multiple meetings with the Russian leader.

Trump’s approach has been characterized by a mix of carrots and sticks. He has dangled the possibility of sanctions relief and economic cooperation with Russia, while threatening secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports if Moscow refuses to negotiate. At the same time, he has publicly criticized Zelenskyy, blaming him for prolonging the conflict and even suggesting Ukraine bears partial responsibility for Russia’s 2022 invasion. These moves have placed significant strain on Kyiv, with Zelenskyy reportedly agreeing to the Istanbul talks under duress, fearing a complete withdrawal of U.S. support.

However, Trump’s reluctance to exert similar pressure on Putin has drawn criticism. While he has secured Ukraine’s commitment to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in March, Russia has consistently stalled, offering excuses and additional conditions. Critics argue that Trump’s softer stance toward Moscow, including his refusal to impose new sanctions, has emboldened Putin to maintain an uncompromising position. This imbalance has fuelled scepticism among European allies, who worry that Trump’s haste for a deal may lead to a settlement favouring Russia.

European allies rally around Kyiv

European leaders, including those from Britain, France, and Germany, have rallied around Zelenskyy, insisting that any peace deal must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine. Following a joint statement after talks in London, they expressed support for Trump’s efforts but emphasized the need for a “just and lasting peace.” French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have pushed for continued military and economic support to ensure Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength.

Europe could realistically play a supportive role in the Istanbul talks by pushing for security guarantees and rejecting Russia’s territorial demands, offering troops to enforce a ceasefire or monitor agreements, committing financial aid for Ukraine’s recovery, supporting Turkey’s mediation with diplomatic expertise and pressure on both sides. However, Europe’s influence may be limited by Trump’s lead and Russia’s intransigence.

The U.S. proposal, presented in April, suggests freezing the conflict along current front lines, recognising Russia’s control over Crimea, and barring Ukraine from NATO membership. Zelenskyy has firmly rejected ceding Crimea, calling it a violation of Ukraine’s constitution, a stance that has frustrated Trump, who recently suggested Zelenskyy might be open to such concessions.

A fragile path forward

The Istanbul talks, mediated by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, represent a rare opportunity for dialogue but are fraught with challenges. Turkey has positioned itself as a neutral host, with Erdoğan claiming both sides view it as a reliable mediator. However, Russia’s insistence on controlling annexed regions and Ukraine’s demand for a full withdrawal of Russian forces remain major sticking points.

Zelenskyy’s cautious approach reflects lessons from past negotiations, notably the 2022 Istanbul Communiqué, which collapsed over disagreements on security guarantees and Russia’s territorial demands. European diplomats, such as Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, have urged scepticism toward Russian overtures, citing Moscow’s history of diplomatic unreliability.

As Trump prepares for a trip to Gulf states, his administration continues to coordinate with European allies, though his public rhetoric—often more conciliatory toward Putin—has sown doubts about his commitment to pressuring Russia. As the Istanbul talks approach, the coming days will test whether Trump’s pressure can yield a breakthrough or merely expose the deep divisions that have prolonged the war.

Sources: Reuters, European Pravda, Social Truth, NPR

Caption: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures as he addresses a joint press conference following a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the willing’ at the Mariinskyi Palace, the official residence of the president of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 10 May 2025. [EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO]