Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are poised to meet in person on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul, following a surprise turn of events after two years of war.
Putin, in a late-night address on Sunday, rejected a proposed ceasefire and instead offered to hold “direct talks” — the first face-to-face engagement since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Despite warnings from Ukraine’s European allies, Zelensky quickly accepted, saying:
“This Thursday, May 15, I’ll be in Turkey. And I’m waiting for Putin there. In person. I hope this time he won’t look for excuses.”
Starting tomorrow, we await a ceasefire — this proposal is on the table. A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could significantly bring peace closer. Ukraine has long proposed this, our partners are… pic.twitter.com/TVpJbldfh4
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 11, 2025
Trump’s Pressure Shakes Diplomatic Unity
President Donald Trump sharply intervened in the negotiation process by publicly urging Ukraine to accept the talks without preconditions:
“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible… I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War II, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
European Allies Demand Ceasefire First
The sudden momentum toward talks comes after European leaders — including Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz — delivered an ultimatum to Russia during a summit in Kyiv:
“Agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine by Monday or face massive new sanctions.”
Backed by Trump, the ultimatum appeared to be the West’s final unified effort to apply pressure. But Putin ignored the deadline, instead shifting focus to a direct meeting.
While Trump praised the move, saying it would clarify intentions and “show where everything stands,” European leaders remained skeptical, insisting that no talks should take place without a ceasefire first.
What to Watch Next
- May 13: Deadline for Russia to accept ceasefire expires
- May 15: Putin-Zelensky meeting scheduled in Istanbul
- May 15–16: EU expected to finalize new sanctions if no ceasefire is in place
This week may determine the next phase of the war — or the beginning of a negotiated path to peace.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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