ZELENSKY DEMANDS FACE-TO-FACE TALKS WITH PUTIN AS TURKEY MEETING LOOMS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted he will only meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this Thursday, may 15th rejecting any intermediaries in renewed peace efforts. The proposed meeting follows increasing pressure from Ukraine’s European allies, who issued a ceasefire-or-sanctions ultimatum to Russia last weekend.
Zelensky’s firm stance was confirmed by his aide Mykhaylo Podolyak, who said no other Russian official would be acceptable. US President Donald Trump, who backs the talks and the ceasefire push, said he may join the meeting if it could contribute to a breakthrough. “There’s a possibility,” Trump told reporters, citing a packed schedule that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
A final decision from the Kremlin remains pending. Direct talks between Putin and Zelensky have not occurred since early 2022. The international community, particularly Europe and the US, view this meeting as a critical moment to avert further escalation or impose new sanctions.
