President Donald Trump is advocating for a high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict between their nations. In a Sunday Truth Social post, Trump called on Zelensky to join Putin in Turkey on Thursday for talks aimed at resolving the war. “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” Trump wrote. “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
Trump emphasized the potential for clarity, stating, “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!” He expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s willingness to engage, adding, “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” Zelensky responded on X, signaling openness to the meeting and urging a ceasefire to set the stage for diplomacy.
“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” he stated. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally.”
A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine! Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end. It will be a whole new, and much better, WORLD. I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens. The USA wants to focus, instead, on Rebuilding and Trade. A BIG week upcoming!
Ceasefire Proposals and Diplomatic Efforts
The proposed Istanbul meeting follows a U.S. and Western allies’ demand, reported by The Washington Post on Saturday, for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, with threats of additional sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors if unmet.
Putin countered with a proposal for talks in Istanbul, expressing readiness for dialogue.
“We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine … to remove the root causes of the conflict,” he said at a news conference. “I do not exclude that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree on some new ceasefire.”
Zelensky’s call for an immediate ceasefire aligns with the goal of creating conditions for productive negotiations.
Both leaders have indicated a willingness to engage, though challenges remain in aligning their objectives and addressing longstanding grievances fueling the conflict.
A Pivotal Moment for Peace
Trump framed the potential summit as a chance to save countless lives and shift global focus toward rebuilding and trade.
“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” he posted on Truth Social, highlighting the human toll of the war and the opportunity for a “much better WORLD.”
While expressing optimism, he acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, pledging to work with both parties to facilitate progress.
The international community is closely watching the developments, with the proposed Thursday meeting in Turkey representing a critical opportunity to de-escalate hostilities.
The outcome of these talks could shape the trajectory of the conflict and influence broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.
