Trump mulls joining crucial Istanbul peace talks
US President Donald Trump is considering traveling to Istanbul for the Russian-Ukrainian talks. "All of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Türkiye. This is the right idea. We can change a lot," Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.
What do you need to know?
- Russian-Ukrainian talks are scheduled to take place on 15th May in Istanbul.
- The presence of US President Donald Trump is not ruled out.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainians "would appreciate" if Trump attended the meeting in Istanbul.
Zelensky commented on Platform X, describing Trump's announcement about a possible visit to Istanbul as a "very important statement."
He emphasised his support for the White House's stance, which advocates for the implementation of a full and unconditional ceasefire during the peace negotiations. Zelensky assured that Ukraine is prepared to adhere to the terms of such an agreement.
Zelensky also noted his support for Trump's idea of direct talks with Putin, adding that he himself is ready to meet the Russian leader. "I have openly expressed my readiness to meet. I will be in Türkiye. I hope that the Russians will not evade the meeting," wrote Zelensky.
"And of course, all of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Türkiye. This is the right idea. We can change a lot," declared the Ukrainian president.
He added that such a meeting could be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Talks in Istanbul. Trump considers attending
On 15th May in Turkey, talks between Russia and Ukraine will take place at the expert-technical level. - I don't know where I'm going to be on Thursday, I've got so many meetings. But I was thinking about actually flying over there, - said Donald Trump on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects that Russia will agree to a complete and permanent ceasefire. He declared that on Thursday, he will be waiting for Vladimir Putin in Turkey.
Leaders of Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have called on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire, threatening sanctions.
