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Zelensky Says He “Expects” Putin for In-Person Meeting in Turkey This Week

HeadlineMay 12, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him Thursday in Istanbul for face-to-face peace talks. Zelensky made the announcement on Sunday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky: “I will be in Turkey this Thursday, May 15th, and I’m expecting Putin in Turkey, personally. I hope this time Putin will not look for reasons why he can’t do something. We are ready to talk to end the war — Thursday, Turkey. President Trump supported it. All leaders support it.”

This comes as a group of European nations have called for Russia to immediately agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine or face new sanctions. The Trump administration initially appeared to support the European proposal, but on Sunday President Trump backed away from it. The Kremlin has not said if Putin has plans to go to Turkey on Thursday.

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