6 days Ago
Russia Rejects Ceasefire, Proposes Talks in Turkey
On Saturday, Ukraine's key European partners issued a clear ultimatum to Russia: agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire by Monday or face sweeping new sanctions. US President Donald Trump also expressed support for the plan. However, in a late-night address, Putin ignored the ceasefire call and instead proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey, scheduled for Thursday. This would mark the first such meeting between Zelensky and Putin since the war began in 2022.
Despite previous resistance, Zelensky responded swiftly after Trump publicly urged him to attend the talks. "I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses," Zelensky stated on social media.
Although he emphasized that a "full and lasting ceasefire" should serve as a foundation for diplomacy, Zelensky did not explicitly state it as a precondition for attending the meeting.
Western Allies Demand Ceasefire First
European leaders stressed that no negotiations should proceed without Russia halting hostilities. Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, insisted that peace talks "cannot begin until weapons fall silent." Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Russia must issue a clear and immediate commitment to a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Putin's proposal as "not enough."
Keith Kellogg, formerly a special envoy to Ukraine during the Trump administration, echoed this sentiment, arguing that a ceasefire must come before talks, not after. However, Trump changed his stance, now pushing for immediate peace talks without requiring Russia to stop military actions first. "HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!" he posted on social media.
Zelensky had initially reacted cautiously to Putin's offer, calling it a "positive sign" but reiterating the importance of a ceasefire. European allies, however, firmly rejected any talks before a pause in violence, maintaining pressure on Russia to commit to peace.
Turkey Prepares for Potential Peace Talks
Russian President Putin has already spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who reportedly supported the idea of hosting the talks. The Turkish government confirmed its readiness to facilitate negotiations but implied agreement with Ukraine's allies by stating a ceasefire would help create the right environment for talks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to be in Turkey from Wednesday to Friday, participating in an informal NATO meeting and likely attending the proposed peace discussions.
Trump's decision to abandon his earlier demand for a ceasefire represents a significant policy shift. Previously, he had called for a 30-day halt in fighting, threatening sanctions if it wasn't honored. The European coalition then set Monday as a firm deadline for the ceasefire.
Analysts believe Putin's last-minute offer for talks was a strategic move to shift the pressure from Russia to Ukraine. By suggesting talks while ignoring the ceasefire, Putin positioned himself as the one willing to negotiate, forcing Zelensky into a difficult position. "He's seen as taking the initiative," said one expert.
Putin also mentioned that the talks could lead to a new truce or ceasefire and should aim to resolve the "root causes" of the conflict. Yet, even as he extended the offer, a temporary three-day truce ordered for Russia's Victory Day had just ended, with Ukraine reporting over 100 drone strikes overnight. Both sides blamed each other for violating the brief pause.
Whether the Thursday meeting will lead to meaningful progress remains uncertain, especially with the ceasefire demand still unmet and international pressure continuing to mount.
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