Zelensky Agrees to Meet Putin in Istanbul
On May 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a Zelensky Putin Turkey meeting on May 15 in Istanbul. This decision came despite Russia rejecting a 30-day ceasefire proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Putin’s offer for direct talks, made on May 10.
Zelensky initially demanded a ceasefire but later confirmed he’d attend regardless. He posted on X, “I’ll be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. I hope the Russians won’t look for excuses.” This marks a potential breakthrough in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, ongoing since 2022.
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Move
The Zelensky Putin Turkey meeting is a historic step. The leaders last met in 2019, and their only prior talks in Istanbul in 2022 collapsed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Turkey’s role as host, calling it a “turning point” in a call with France’s Emmanuel Macron.
Russia rejected the ceasefire demanded by European leaders on May 10, with Putin insisting on addressing “root causes” like Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Despite ongoing attacks—22 were injured in Ukraine on May 12—Zelensky’s decision to attend shows a pragmatic shift, possibly due to U.S. pressure.
Global Reactions to the Talks
The Zelensky Putin Turkey meeting has drawn mixed responses. European leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Macron, initially demanded a ceasefire. They were surprised by Trump’s support for talks without one, with Macron calling Putin’s offer “not enough.”
On X, reactions vary. Some users see Zelensky’s move as strategic, with one writing, “Zelensky’s calling Putin’s bluff—smart.” Others criticized Trump’s influence, noting, “Trump’s flip-flop undermines the West.” Analysts say Zelensky faces pressure from Trump, who could cut U.S. aid if Ukraine doesn’t cooperate.
Implications for Ukraine-Russia Peace
The Zelensky Putin Turkey meeting could lead to a broader peace process. Russia controls 18% of Ukraine, and Putin demands neutrality and recognition of annexed territories. Zelensky’s peace plan, however, insists on full Russian withdrawal and justice for war crimes.
Without a ceasefire, the talks might be a Russian stalling tactic. If successful, the meeting could freeze the conflict along current lines. But failure risks reduced U.S. support, as Trump has threatened to scale back aid if Ukraine doesn’t negotiate.
What’s Next for Diplomacy?
The Zelensky Putin Turkey meeting on May 15 is a critical moment. European leaders may impose sanctions if Russia doesn’t halt attacks, a deadline that passed today at 4:57 PM IST. Putin’s rejection of past ceasefires raises doubts about his intentions.
Zelensky’s gamble could force Putin to engage seriously, but the path to peace remains challenging. Trump’s push aligns with his “peacemaker” image, but it risks straining ties with Europe.
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