Putin and Zelenskyy May Meet in Istanbul
Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks may restart in Turkey as Putin proposes an unconditional meeting in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed—if Putin shows up in person.
Zelenskyy warned, “If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war.”
Why Turkey?
On Saturday, Zelenskyy met with European leaders. A joint push for a 30-day ceasefire was made. The call received support from the U.S. and President Donald Trump.
Putin rejected the ceasefire. Instead, he offered to meet directly in Istanbul. His exact role in the talks remains unclear. The Kremlin won’t say if Putin will attend.
Zelenskyy accepted the offer but made it personal. He said he will only meet Putin, not lower-level officials.
Who Will Attend the Talks?
The Kremlin has stayed silent on Russia’s representation. The U.S. will send Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others. Trump, who had promised to end the war quickly, said he’s “thinking about flying over” after Middle East visits.
Zelenskyy will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. If Putin confirms, both leaders will go to Istanbul.
What Happened in 2022?
Talks in Istanbul in 2022 collapsed quickly. Ukraine said Russia’s demands were ultimatums. Russia accuses Ukraine of walking away.
Putin claims a peace deal was almost reached. It included Ukraine’s neutrality and a smaller military. Zelenskyy disagrees. He said Russia’s conditions were unacceptable.
Since then, Moscow annexed four Ukrainian regions. Russia now demands recognition of these areas in any new deal.
What Does Each Side Want?
Russia’s demands remain steep. Putin wants Ukraine to:
- Surrender Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya
- Recognize Crimea as Russian
- Drop its NATO bid
- Reduce its military
- See sanctions lifted
Ukraine refuses to give up any territory. Kyiv wants firm security guarantees from the West. Trump has stated Crimea will “stay with Russia” and that Ukraine joining NATO is unlikely.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
The battlefield remains deadly. Both sides are preparing new offensives. Russia is replenishing troops. Its forces are slowly gaining ground.
Putin said Russian troops “are holding the initiative.” Zelenskyy warned that delays in talks may be strategic, allowing Russia time to prepare.
Ceasefire attempts have failed. Russia offered short holiday truces. Ukraine did not trust the moves.
A March agreement to protect energy infrastructure collapsed. Each side blamed the other for repeated attacks.
What’s Next?
All eyes are on Istanbul. Will Putin and Zelenskyy meet? Will Turkey host a turning point in the war? Or will it be another failed round?
The world will be watching.
Source: AP News
