Russia-Ukraine Talks: Zelensky Urges Trump to Visit Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited US President Donald Trump to visit Turkey, which has been proposed as a possible venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

In a video message shared on X (formerly Twitter), President Zelensky said he is ready to go to Turkey for direct talks. He accused Russia of continuing shelling and attacks, even as Ukraine expressed support for diplomatic solutions. He expressed hope that Trump would support the meeting and attend if possible.

“Ukraine has always supported diplomacy,” Zelensky said. “I’m ready to go to Turkey. Unfortunately, Russia has not clearly responded to many ceasefire proposals. Their shelling and attacks continue. Moscow has remained strangely silent about the proposal for a direct meeting. One way or another, Russia must end this war — the sooner, the better. There is no reason to continue the killing.”

Zelensky also said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is fully prepared to host the talks. He added that Trump’s support and presence would be important.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that he is ready for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15, without any preconditions. In a TV statement shared by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Putin supported Turkey, under President Erdoğan’s leadership, as the host for the negotiations.