Zelensky Agrees to Meet Putin After Trump Pressure, Despite Lack of Ceasefire

Zelensky agrees to meet with Putin after Trump’s pressure

Ukraine and Russia to meet in Turkey

Could mark first direct dialogue since 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this Sunday that he is willing to meet with Vladimir Putin in Turkey, in what would be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the war began in 2022.

The announcement comes just one hour after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to “immediately” accept Russia’s proposal for dialogue.

Zelensky’s decision marks a shift as the international community continues to pressure Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire before any negotiations.

However, Trump weakened that unified stance by omitting the ceasefire condition and directly urging both parties to meet. Ukraine’s response signals a change in tone that could reshape the diplomatic landscape.

Zelensky agrees to meet with Putin after Trump’s pressure

Zelensky agrees to meet with Putin in Istanbul if a real ceasefire is achieved. Is this the start of peace or just another failed attempt? #Ukraine #Russia #Ceasefire #Zelensky #Putin https://t.co/aerm26ze3h
— eldiarioalerta.com (@ALERTAeldiario) – May 11, 2025

On Saturday, Ukraine and its European allies issued an ultimatum to Russia: halt attacks by Monday or face massive new sanctions.

Putin responded in a late-night address, ignoring the call but proposing a direct dialogue on Thursday in Turkey. Trump then publicly urged Kyiv to accept the meeting “right away.”

Shortly after, Zelensky confirmed his attendance at the meeting in Istanbul, though he reiterated that a “full and lasting ceasefire” remains the desired condition for any diplomatic progress.

Key allies like Germany, France, and Poland responded more cautiously, stating that talks should begin only after hostilities cease.

Turkey to host talks

? Zelensky ready to meet with Putin and a ceasefire could start tomorrow https://t.co/gdjqjb7zph
— Ynet Español (@ynetespanol) – May 11, 2025

Turkey confirmed its willingness to host the talks but also emphasized that peace requires a prior truce.

Analysts suggest Putin is attempting to shift pressure onto Ukraine by presenting himself as the “peacemaker” while avoiding a ceasefire. Trump, meanwhile, dropped his initial demand for a 30-day truce, prioritizing immediate talks instead.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to be in Turkey this week during the potential summit.

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