Image: ln24SA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him in Turkey this Thursday for direct, personal negotiations, as part of a renewed push toward securing a ceasefire and ending the war in Ukraine.
The challenge comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity over the weekend, with both Ukrainian and Russian officials engaging in U.S.-led peace efforts alongside European mediators. Zelenskyy’s statement was made during a televised address, where he emphasized his commitment to “face-to-face diplomacy” in the hopes of reaching a meaningful agreement.
“I am ready to meet Putin in person, in Turkey, to discuss how we bring this senseless war to an end,” said Zelenskyy. “The world demands peace, and we owe it to our people to try every possible channel.”
The proposed summit in Ankara would be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has positioned Turkey as a neutral mediator throughout the conflict.
Kremlin officials have yet to formally respond to the invitation, but sources close to Moscow suggest the Russian side is weighing its options amid mounting international pressure to de-escalate hostilities.
This diplomatic overture follows Ukraine’s formal request for a 30-day ceasefire, supported by key Western allies including the United States, France, and Germany. U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and has encouraged both sides to pursue peaceful resolution.
If accepted, the Zelenskyy-Putin meeting would mark the first direct encounter between the two leaders since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Get the latests of our Loveworld News from our Johannesburg Stations and News Station South Africa, LN24 International