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U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukraine to take part in proposed talks with Russia in Türkiye this week, framing the meeting as a chance to test whether diplomacy can bring an end to the conflict.
In his post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed a meeting in Türkiye on Thursday—not to formalize a ceasefire, but to begin discussions that could eventually lead to one. Trump urged Ukraine not to delay participation, arguing that even if the talks fail, they would clarify each side’s position and help Western allies determine their next steps.
Trump expressed doubt about Kyiv’s willingness to engage, suggesting Ukraine may be hesitant to negotiate. He insisted that Ukraine should attend the meeting “immediately,” saying that Türkiye offers a neutral platform where the possibility of ending “the bloodbath” could be explored in full view of the international community.
The Kremlin had earlier stated this week that President Putin proposed holding talks with Ukraine in Istanbul.
During a phone call on Sunday regarding the proposal, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Putin’s expressed willingness to return to the negotiating table.
According to the Turkish presidency, Erdogan said Türkiye remains ready to host talks that could lead to lasting peace and emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire would create a vital window for meaningful negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding on X, said Ukraine is prepared to engage in direct negotiations with Russia but stressed that they must be preceded by “a full, lasting, and reliable” ceasefire starting Monday.
Zelenskyy said there was no value in further delaying diplomacy while people continue to die. He added that he would personally be in Türkiye on Thursday, waiting for President Putin, and hoped that "this time the Russians will not look for excuses."
Türkiye has previously hosted several rounds of negotiations between the two sides since the war began. The most notable were held in Istanbul in March 2022, though they failed to produce a breakthrough.
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