Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire, Challenges Putin to Peace Talks in Istanbul

Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire, Challenges Putin to Peace Talks in Istanbul

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a strong call for peace on Sunday, urging Russia to implement a full ceasefire starting Monday and challenging Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him in person for talks in Istanbul on Thursday. This offer came just hours after Putin dismissed a joint Ukrainian and European request for a 30-day ceasefire but signaled willingness for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey.

“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow [Monday], to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” Zelenskyy stated. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”

It remains unclear if Zelenskyy’s appearance in Istanbul is contingent on the ceasefire being upheld. As of now, the Kremlin has not responded to the challenge or confirmed whether Putin will attend.

Putin’s remarks early Sunday emphasized direct negotiations without preconditions, though he did not clarify whether he himself or another Russian representative would attend the proposed talks.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump added pressure on Kyiv to accept the offer, posting on Truth Social: “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” In a follow-up post, Trump said, “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.”

European leaders, however, remained firm in their stance that a ceasefire must precede any negotiations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “We expect Moscow to agree to a ceasefire that allows real talks to take place. First the weapons must be silenced, then the discussions can begin.” French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this view, emphasizing the “necessity for a ceasefire” during calls with his German, British, Polish, American, and Ukrainian counterparts.

Meanwhile, Poland revealed that its security services had confirmed Russian involvement in a devastating fire that destroyed the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw in May 2024. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the arson was ordered by Russian intelligence and coordinated from within Russia. Several perpetrators are already in custody, with others still being pursued.

At the Vatican, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday address, expressing deep concern over Ukraine and urging world leaders to prioritize a “genuine, just and lasting peace.” He called for an end to global conflict, stating, “I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people.”

Meanwhile, the violence on the ground persisted. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 108 drones, including Shahed models and various decoys, in a large-scale attack overnight. Ukrainian defenses downed 60 of them, shortly after the expiration of a poorly observed 72-hour ceasefire.

With tensions escalating and global leaders weighing in, this week could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomacy can finally take precedence over destruction.

Photo: AFP via Getty Images

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