Possibility of a historic summit in Istanbul... Statements from Zelensky and Trump camps: Putin remains silent

Diplomatic activity is underway in Istanbul to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, which has been ongoing for over two years. In a statement made on Sunday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he is ready to meet directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul.

Stating that he would come to Turkey to contribute to the peace process, Zelensky said, "I am ready for the meeting. I hope the Russians do not miss this opportunity." This meeting would be the first direct contact since the early months of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

PUTIN'S PARTICIPATION UNCERTAIN

It is still unclear who the Kremlin will send to this important meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in a brief statement regarding the talks, said, "We are looking for ways to achieve a long-term peace," but did not make a statement on whether Putin would attend.

In a live broadcast on Saturday evening, May 10, Putin said that they are open to talks to achieve peace. However, he emphasized that these talks should focus on the "root causes of the conflict." The conditions put forward by the Kremlin for peace include the "denazification" and demilitarization of Ukraine, the protection of Russian speakers in the east, and the cessation of NATO's eastward expansion.

ZELENSKY: I AM READY TO MEET PUTIN PERSONALLY

In a statement on Monday morning, Zelensky reiterated his intention to "personally attend" the talks in Istanbul and asked the Russian side to show the same seriousness. "I have clearly stated that I am ready for the meeting. This opportunity should not be missed," said Zelensky, arguing that face-to-face contact with Putin would accelerate the peace process.

CEASEFIRE CALL WENT UNANSWERED

Ukraine's Western allies, meanwhile, have called for a 30-day ceasefire, effective from Monday, to ensure the talks can take place in a healthy environment. 

TURKEY'S SUPPORT FOR NEGOTIATIONS

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a statement on Sunday, called on the parties, saying, "Evaluate the window of opportunity opened for a peace agreement." Having held a phone call with Putin on the same day, Erdoğan expressed his support for the negotiations planned to be held in Istanbul.

The Presidency's Directorate of Communications announced that Erdoğan emphasized Turkey's readiness to host talks that would lead to a permanent solution. A statement from the Kremlin reported that Erdoğan "fully supported" Putin's Istanbul proposal.

TRUMP: "IT COULD BE A WONDERFUL DAY"

Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the developments, saying that he "could participate if he thought he could be helpful" in the peace talks. Trump also described the situation as "potentially a wonderful day for Russia and Ukraine" following Putin's remarks that he was open to the meeting.

News Source: 12punto