Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has agreed to a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey this Thursday.

Putin initially suggested the meeting, and Zelenskyy accepted the offer, reportedly after encouragement from President . Putin stated that the Istanbul talks should proceed without any preconditions and focus on achieving a lasting peace.

“We are looking for a complete and enduring ceasefire, effective from tomorrow, to establish a solid basis for diplomatic efforts. Prolonging the conflict serves no purpose. I will be in Türkiye on Thursday awaiting Putin, personally. I hope the Russians will not seek excuses this time,” Zelenskyy stated.

Trump reportedly urged Zelenskyy to accept the meeting earlier on Sunday. Currently, a ceasefire is in place between Ukraine and Russia, coinciding with the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

“President Putin of Russia isn’t interested in a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but instead wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH,” Trump posted on social media. “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At the very least, they can determine if a deal is possible, and if not, European leaders and the U.S. will know the situation and can act accordingly!”

“I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” He added.

While Putin has made few concessions thus far, he now indicates that talks should address the fundamental causes of the conflict. He mentioned that he would be speaking with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan later on Sunday to discuss facilitating the negotiations, which he believes could lead to a ceasefire.

“Our proposal is, as they say, on the table,” Putin stated. “The decision now rests with the Ukrainian authorities and their advisors, who seem to be driven by their own political agendas rather than the interests of their people.”

Putin’s offer for direct talks followed a demand made on Saturday in Kyiv, where insisted that the Russian president agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face further sanctions. However, Putin dismissed attempts by some European powers to issue what he termed “ultimatums.”

The Russian leader suggested that Moscow and Kyiv might agree to “some new truces, a new ceasefire” during the negotiations in Turkey, considering the talks as the initial step toward a “sustainable” peace.

‘ Landon Mion contributed to this report.

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