Zelensky meets Putin: Hope for a ceasefire in Istanbul!

Zelensky meets Putin: Hope for a ceasefire in Istanbul!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is about to hold a major diplomatic meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky is expected in Istanbul on May 15, 2025 to begin personal talks. This meeting could be crucial for future relations between Ukraine and Russia, especially given the ongoing conflicts and calls for a ceasefire.

Zelensky has expressed his clear expectation that Russia will initiate a ceasefire before further negotiations can take place. The head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, emphasized: “First a ceasefire by Russia, then everything else.” Unofficial information suggests that Zelensky will travel to Turkey even if Russia refuses to take part in the proposed ceasefire on May 12, showing Ukraine's determination to continue despite possible setbacks in the talks.

International reactions and support

The international community is watching developments with great attention. US President Donald Trump has signaled his support for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. But he also expressed doubts that an agreement with Putin can be reached, especially given the celebrations of victory in World War II that are currently taking precedence in the Kremlin.

Trump could also travel to Turkey on May 15 to take part in the talks. Zelensky welcomed this possible participation and stressed that “all Ukrainians” want to see Trump at his side. According to Trump, the meeting could bring a promising result if his schedule allows.

Ceasefire and urgency of negotiations

Ukraine and its allies have called on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire or threaten tougher sanctions. European leaders are also pushing for a full ceasefire by midnight. The Kremlin, however, rejected ultimatums as unacceptable. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made it clear that Russia will not accept preconditions for negotiations and demands that talks be based on the 2022 documents.

Zelensky and the international community face the challenge of advancing the urgently needed peace negotiation. As Russian forces continue to attack Ukrainian troops, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reiterated that Russia is missing an opportunity to end the war. The pressure on Putin to take peace seriously is growing.

In his first telephone conversation with Zelensky, Pope Leo XIV found words of hope for lasting peace in Ukraine. These developments show the high explosiveness of the upcoming talks and the urgent need for a ceasefire to defuse the escalating crisis and secure lasting peace.

Overall, the planned meeting between Zelensky and Putin on May 15 stands not only as a step towards negotiations, but also as a test of the will of all those involved to find peace and reduce geopolitical tensions. The world will be glued to the outcome of the talks.

For more information on this topic, read reports from UBN News and Mercury.