Zelenskyy Challenges Putin to Istanbul Peace Talks Amid Ceasefire Demand
Zelenskiy Calls for Ceasefire, Awaits Putin in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia and challenging Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face in Istanbul for peace talks. Zelenskyy made the announcement on Sunday, after Putin rejected a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire from Ukraine and its European allies.
Putin Wants Direct Talks, No Preconditions
Putin, however, indicated that Russia is open to direct negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey, but without preconditions. He didn’t specify who would be attending from the Russian side. This offer comes after intense pressure from US President Donald Trump, who urged Zelenskyy to accept the talks.
Allies Demand Ceasefire Before Negotiations
Ukraine’s European allies are insistent that a ceasefire must be in place before any direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow can take place. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Russia’s offer “a good sign” but “far from sufficient,” emphasizing the need for a ceasefire first. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of a ceasefire for genuine peace negotiations to begin.
Other Developments in the Ukraine Crisis
In a separate development, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Russian secret services were behind a major fire at a Warsaw shopping center in May 2024. Tusk revealed that the arson was ordered by Russian services, coordinated by someone in Russia, and that some perpetrators are already in custody while others are being sought.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in his first Sunday address at the Vatican, expressing his concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
