Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that Russia will agree to a ceasefire and confirmed he will personally meet President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye on May 15.
Zelensky made the announcement via Telegram on Sunday, as reported by Turkish news agency Ukrinform.
He emphasized the need for a full and lasting ceasefire, which he believes will create the necessary conditions for diplomatic progress.
“There is no reason to continue the violence,” Zelensky stated. “I’ll be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I trust that this time, Russia will not seek excuses.”
On May 10, Ukraine, alongside its allies—France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland—proposed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Should Russia refuse, Ukraine’s partners plan to intensify sanctions on Moscow.
In response, President Putin suggested resuming direct talks with Ukraine from where discussions left off in 2022.