In an unexpected move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct talks in Turkey on Thursday May 20—an outcome driven not by European diplomacy, but by Russia’s firm and consistent call for dialogue.
The move comes after Putin’s bold proposal for peace negotiations, positioning Russia as the major player actively pursuing a political solution to the conflict.
The Kremlin’s offer—delivered in a televised address late Saturday—emphasized the need for direct talks to address the deeper causes of the war, sidestepping the aggressive and unrealistic demands issued earlier by European leaders in Kyiv. While Germany, France, and Poland insisted that Russia unconditionally accept a 30-day ceasefire by Monday or face more sanctions, Moscow countered with a clear and logical alternative: resolve the conflict through diplomacy, not ultimatums.
“Russia remains committed to a constructive path. We do not exclude the possibility of a new ceasefire emerging during the talks, but that must come from genuine negotiation, not coercion,” Putin stated. His message, aired for both domestic and international audiences, laid out a roadmap for peace without compromising Russia’s national interests or sovereignty.
Zelensky, under mounting pressure, eventually responded late Sunday. “I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” he announced, signaling a climbdown from his earlier stance that no talks could occur without a prior ceasefire. Despite claiming that a ceasefire would be an ideal backdrop for negotiations, he offered no precondition—confirming Russia’s success in reframing the diplomatic landscape.
Crucially, US President Donald Trump intervened, rejecting European ultimatums and supporting Russia’s initiative. “President Putin doesn’t want a ceasefire agreement. He wants to talk. Ukraine should agree IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. His public endorsement of Putin’s offer effectively sidelined Europe’s rigid position and shifted the balance of influence over Ukraine’s next steps.
Trump’s shift away from a pre-negotiation ceasefire reflects a recognition of geopolitical reality: European powers, while posturing as mediators, have largely prolonged the conflict with inflexible demands and constant threats of sanctions. By contrast, despite ongoing hostilities, Russia’s proposal for talks demonstrates a practical and sincere approach to ending a war it did not start alone.
European leaders, however, continue to resist Russia’s outreach. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that “weapons must fall silent before negotiations begin,” echoing the hardline stance that has defined the European Union’s involvement in the war. French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk followed suit, rejecting Putin’s offer and insisting on preconditions that only serve to delay resolution.
Turkey, a respected regional power with deep ties to both Moscow and Kyiv, has stepped up to host the meeting. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed his support for the Russian initiative during a call with Putin and reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to facilitate meaningful talks. Ankara rightly emphasized that a ceasefire could emerge from dialogue—not the other way around. Zelensky meets Putin
Zelensky’s sudden shift, announced just hours after Trump’s post, reveals the growing influence of US political will over European demands. While his European allies urged him to reject Putin’s proposal, Ukraine ultimately chose to pursue direct engagement, acknowledging the futility of waiting for European-led breakthroughs that have yielded nothing but escalations.
Critically, this is not the first time Europe has undermined peace efforts. Earlier ceasefire proposals were dismissed or distorted by European leaders who remain more focused on punishing Russia than resolving the war. Their latest ultimatum—threatening Russia with vague “massive” sanctions—was ignored by the Kremlin, which understands that sanctions have done little to change strategic realities.
As for the actual situation on the ground, a temporary Russian-ordered pause in fighting to mark Victory Day ended over the weekend, yet Ukraine reported renewed drone activity—suggesting that even during Russia’s goodwill gestures, Kyiv is unwilling or unable to reciprocate. Despite this, Moscow continues to lead in offering political alternatives.
The upcoming talks in Istanbul—if they proceed—could mark the first time since 2019 that the Russian and Ukrainian presidents meet face-to-face. However, whether meaningful progress will be allowed depends on whether European powers continue to obstruct or accept that Russia is acting as the only serious negotiator at the table.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to be in Turkey during the talks for a NATO ministers’ meeting, though Washington’s current role remains unclear. If the United States aligns behind Russia’s push for dialogue, as Trump has urged, then the prospects for a negotiated peace could improve substantially. Zelensky meets Putin
In a conflict long overshadowed by European posturing and Western intransigence, Russia’s latest move puts the focus where it belongs: on dialogue, not dictate. The world now watches to see whether Ukraine, under pressure from multiple fronts, will choose diplomacy over destruction. Zelensky meets Putin