Zelenskyy’s declaration aligns with international efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that he will only hold peace talks with the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin, and no other Russia official, at an upcoming Peace Summit in Turkey.
Zelenskyy’s statement comes as global diplomatic efforts intensify to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, following a renewed push from the United States (U.S.) and European allies. The high-stakes Summit, which is yet to be formally confirmed by Moscow, was suggested by Putin himself last week following an ultimatum from European leaders demanding Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face sweeping new sanctions.
Earlier last week, the President of France – Emmanuel Macron said he is in favour of imposing new sanctions on Russia in the coming days if Moscow fails to agree to a ceasefire, mentioning financial services and oil and gas as possible targets. The decision was supported by the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and Poland. That pledge failed to move Putin, who instead called for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on 15th May’25.
Taking it to X, Zelenskyy tweeted,
I am grateful to the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries for their principled joint statement urging Russia to commit to a full, unconditional, and immediate 30-day ceasefire.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 13, 2025
I also value NB8 support for my readiness to meet personally with Putin in Türkiye. We are ready for such…
The President of the U.S. – Donald Trump currently on a diplomatic tour of the Gulf, said he encouraged Zelenskyy to meet with Putin and confirmed that the U.S. Secretary of State – Marco Rubio will attend the talks in Istanbul. Trump also hinted at his own possible attendance. In addition, the U.S. Envoy to Ukraine – Keith Kellogg and Trump’s Foreign Envoy – Steve Witkoff both will attend the talks in Istanbul.
Speaking at the Saudi-U.S. investment forum in Riyadh, Trump said, “Talks are being held in Turkey later this week, probably on Thursday, and they could produce some pretty good results.”
Zelenskyy echoed those sentiments, telling reporters that Trump’s presence would “give additional impulse for Putin to fly in” and emphasising that a ceasefire is the only acceptable outcome.
Kremlin Spokesman – Dmitry Peskov said Putin’s decision on whether to attend would be made “in due course.” Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister – Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Russian officials are preparing for the meeting.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Eastern Ukraine doesn’t seem to suggest Russia is preparing for a ceasefire. Russian troops have been inching forward in several key areas along the front line and launching near-daily drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.
