Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Turkey on Thursday, intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire and push forward diplomatic talks with Russia. His arrival follows a bold public challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to meet face-to-face for the first time since the war began in 2022.
Speaking earlier in the week, Zelenskyy expressed hope that a full and lasting ceasefire could take effect by Monday, forming the foundation for high-level peace negotiations. “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses,” Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
The push for renewed talks comes as international pressure mounts on both Kyiv and Moscow to end the prolonged war that has devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure, displaced millions, and strained global political alliances.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey was also prompted by reported mediation efforts from U.S. and Turkish officials. According to sources familiar with the discussions, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to consider Russia’s latest diplomatic overture — a proposal for direct negotiations on Turkish soil, which Moscow insists must proceed without preconditions.
Despite ongoing hostilities and skepticism about Russia’s intentions, Zelenskyy signaled a willingness to engage — provided Moscow agrees to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, a condition also supported by several European Union countries.
“We do not fear dialogue,” said Zelenskyy in remarks made during his flight to Ankara. “But peace must be given a fair chance. The bloodshed must stop, even temporarily, to show the world that our commitment to diplomacy is not just rhetoric.”
The Ukrainian leader’s statement reflects a notable shift in tone from the earlier stages of the war, when he had ruled out any direct negotiations with Putin. In October 2022, Zelenskyy signed a decree formally banning any talks with the Kremlin leader, labeling such discussions “impossible” as long as Putin remained in power.
The war, now in its third year, has seen periods of stalled diplomacy, escalating violence, and shifting international support. Zelenskyy’s renewed openness to dialogue appears aimed at reviving a moribund peace process, while appealing to Western allies increasingly concerned about war fatigue and economic repercussions.
However, it remains unclear whether Russia is prepared to meet Zelenskyy’s conditions. As of Thursday morning, the Kremlin had not confirmed Putin’s attendance in Turkey, nor responded publicly to Zelenskyy’s personal challenge. Russian Foreign Ministry officials have reiterated their call for “unconditional” direct talks but have stopped short of offering a ceasefire in advance.
“Russia is open to negotiations, but not under ultimatums,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a statement earlier this week. “Any meeting must be based on realistic grounds and mutual respect.”
Turkey, which has maintained diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict, has repeatedly offered to mediate peace efforts. Ankara played a central role in brokering the now-suspended Black Sea grain export deal and has hosted previous rounds of indirect negotiations between the two sides.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed optimism that his country can serve as a neutral venue for meaningful talks. “We are prepared to facilitate dialogue and offer a peaceful platform for both sides to engage,” Erdoğan told reporters. “The world is tired of war. Turkey stands ready to help chart a path to peace.”
Analysts say the meeting, if it happens, would mark a significant turning point in the conflict. “Zelenskyy’s willingness to meet Putin face-to-face signals a potential thaw in a deeply frozen conflict,” said Ulrich Speck, a Berlin-based foreign policy expert. “But without guarantees of a ceasefire or mutual trust, any dialogue remains highly fragile.”
Meanwhile, civilians in Ukraine continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Overnight missile strikes in eastern Ukraine reportedly killed at least six people and injured dozens, according to local authorities. Humanitarian organizations have urged both sides to halt military operations and prioritize negotiations.
In a joint statement, EU foreign ministers echoed that sentiment, calling for an “immediate, verifiable, and unconditional” ceasefire to facilitate peace talks. “The world is watching,” the statement read. “Every day without diplomacy is a day of needless suffering.”
Zelenskyy’s challenge to Putin — and his decision to show up in Turkey regardless of Moscow’s response — appears designed to put the onus squarely on Russia. “This is a test of seriousness,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. “If Putin does not come, the world will know who is avoiding peace.”
As Thursday’s developments unfolded, international observers remained cautiously hopeful that a breakthrough might be possible. Whether the Turkish stage becomes the beginning of a new chapter in peace talks — or another missed opportunity — will depend largely on whether both leaders are ready to move beyond battlefield rhetoric.
