A potential new chapter is on the horizon in the protracted Russia-Ukraine war, now spanning over three years. According to Reuters, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced his readiness to engage in direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, Turkey.
Zelenskyy's proposal emerged following a public call by former US President Donald Trump, urging the Ukrainian leader to promptly accept Putin's offer for discussions.
President Putin proposed establishing a lasting peace through direct dialogue with Ukraine. This development comes shortly after European Union leaders endorsed a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
This historic meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will be their first face-to-face encounter since the war commenced in 2022. Previously, ceasefire talks have been conducted through diplomatic channels.
Read also: 'Peace talks can happen after a complete ceasefire', Ukraine's response to Putin's proposal
What Did Donald Trump Say?
Former US President Donald Trump took to the social media platform Truth to weigh in on the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting. Trump remarked that Putin seeks not merely a ceasefire but direct talks to halt the ongoing conflict.
Trump emphasized that Ukraine should immediately accept Putin's proposal to further the peace process. With a sarcastic note, he remarked on Putin's ongoing celebration of World War II victory, which, he noted, would not have been possible without the help of the United States.
