On Sunday, former President Trump encouraged Ukraine to engage in peace talks with Russia “quickly,” without waiting for a ceasefire agreement that Vladimir Putin had proposed.
Putin suggested a direct meeting with Ukraine in Turkey, hoping to resolve the conflict that has lasted for over three years since the invasion.
Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, stating, “Ukraine should agree to this soon. At least, they can find out if a deal is viable, and if not, then US and European leaders can better understand the situation and decide from there.”
He expressed skepticism about Ukraine agreeing to a deal with Putin, who is currently preoccupied with celebrating World War II victories.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated he was open to a meeting in Moscow, though he expressed hesitance due to Putin’s unwillingness to make concessions during previous peace talks mediated by the US.
Zelensky and his team stressed that a ceasefire must be established before any discussions commence between Kyiv and Moscow. “We are awaiting a complete and lasting ceasefire to initiate talks, as extending the violence serves no purpose,” he remarked.
He added, “I expect to meet Putin in Turkey on Thursday. I hope this time the Russians don’t come up with excuses.”
This stance has garnered support from Zelensky’s Western allies, including Trump’s former advisor Keith Kellogg, who remarked on X that the focus should be on securing the unconditional ceasefire first before diving into peace discussions.
French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in, suggesting that Putin’s abrupt call for negotiations without a ceasefire shows he is searching for options after facing potential sanctions from the West.
This proposal came shortly after Trump and other European leaders warned of “massive sanctions” if Russia didn’t agree to a 30-day ceasefire by Monday. Zelensky insisted the ceasefire must be “complete and unconditional,” or further sanctions would be implemented against Moscow.
