Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says is he ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “personally” in Istanbul on Thursday for talks over ending the war.
His post came shortly after Donald Trump demanded Ukraine agree to Putin’s offer of direct talks between the two countries in Turkey.
“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” Zelensky wrote.
He had earlier said his country was open to talks with Russia but only after a ceasefire was in place.
Western powers have called for a 30-day pause in fighting to begin on Monday after European leaders spearheading the so-called “coalition of the willing” met in Kyiv on Saturday.
Putin’s offer of direct talks followed that intervention.
On Sunday Trump then posted on social media that Ukraine should agree to this “immediately” and it would provide clarity on whether there was a way to end the war.
“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly” he said, adding: “Have the meeting, now!”
