Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that he will not attend peace negotiations with Russia unless President Vladimir Putin is also present. The talks, to be held on Thursday in Istanbul, are being regarded as a turning point in the bid to bring an end to the conflict currently raging in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin for refusing to meet face-to-face and is convinced that direct meetings are crucial in making gains toward peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bold Demand
He committed to a way out of war, summoned Vladimir Putin to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, the first step to putting an end to the conflict. He insists that Putin’s involvement is essential. “Absolutely everything in Russia depends on him,” declared Zelenskyy. He went on further to blame Putin for dodging direct negotiations, calling him “scared” to meet him in person.
The negotiations have now taken center stage of US President Donald Trump’s efforts for peace. Trump, in a move to make peace, has revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join the Istanbul talks. Other central personalities, including senior diplomats Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will also attend. Trump’s intervention sparks hope of an end, but it remains uncertain if Putin will attend.
Stakes for Ukraine
The Ukrainian President has made it amply clear that Ukraine will be willing to embrace a ceasefire, but under defined conditions. The 30-day ceasefire has to be all-encompassing, reaching land, air, sea, and strategic infrastructure, the president pointed out. The president also made it clear that he expected both the US and the European Union to implement robust sanctions if the negotiations fail to move forward.
Though Zelenskyy is advocating for peace, the issue is still complex. Russia has agreed to negotiate but would not likely grant any territorial concessions. Moscow believes that specific territories within Ukraine, which are under its control, should be designated as Russian. Zelenskyy’s call for international troops to serve as a deterrent in a demilitarized zone has also become the biggest contentious issue.
Trump’s Role in Peace Talks
US President Donald Trump has spoken of hope for the talks and said that the participants can soon achieve peace if everyone shows up. He thinks that a direct meeting between Zelenskyy, Putin, and himself can bring about a breakthrough. Trump’s intervention indicates how much the United States wants to end the conflict through diplomacy.
In a significant move, Trump is dispatching senior officials, including Rubio, to join the talks. In addition, Trump has signaled that if Putin attends, he too will be present. Trump’s initiative for peace marks a change in US foreign policy and underscores the increasing role of diplomacy in ending the crisis.
International Perspective
At the same time, the international community is observing the developments closely. Pope Leo has recently met with Zelenskyy and showed support for Ukraine‘s peace process. But skepticism abounds, particularly over whether Russia would be willing to make significant concessions. Russian officials have continuously reaffirmed their position on territorial claims, and negotiations have become challenging.
Despite these setbacks, the forthcoming talks in Istanbul are a turning point for dialogue. While the world holds its breath to know if Putin will meet him in person, Zelenskiy’s insistence on direct talks may spell the destiny of the war.
