After Trump’s urging, Zelensky calls on Putin: I’ll be waiting for you in Turkey on May 15

Will the leaders of Russia and Ukraine finally meet?

Last week, leaders from four European countries visited Kyiv, joining Ukrainian President Zelensky in pressuring Russia to implement an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days starting this week.

Of course, Putin would not accept such a hardline demand with no cards to play, so he “turned the tables” by proposing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with Turkey as the venue.

After Putin made his proposal, Zelensky did not give up, stating that Ukraine is willing to negotiate, but the prerequisite is that Russia must immediately implement a 30-day ceasefire, which is the first step to ending the war.

Before the Russian side could respond, U.S. President Trump spoke up first. He urged Zelensky on social media to immediately agree to Putin’s proposal, stating that instead of getting into unnecessary matters, the priority is to gauge Russia’s stance, so that the U.S. and Europe can respond accordingly.

With the “financial backer” speaking out, Zelensky naturally dared not refuse, and he posted on social media again, stating that he would personally go to Turkey to wait for Putin, hoping that the latter would not stand him up.

Before long, Zelensky released another video pressuring Putin, reiterating his hope to meet Putin on the 15th, saying that they must meet. So close, so beautiful, arriving in Turkey on Thursday.

The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Yermak, also addressed social media, asking, “How will Putin choose? Is he afraid? Let’s wait and see.”

It is worth mentioning that Putin's original statement was to resume direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and he did not say he would personally participate. Moreover, he has previously stated multiple times that Zelensky's regime has lost its legitimacy, and to ensure the legal effectiveness of the Russia-Ukraine negotiations, he hopes to hold talks between leaders after a new leader is elected in Ukraine.

Additionally, Ukraine has previously legally prohibited the president from engaging in any form of dialogue with the Russian side. If Zelensky were to negotiate directly with Putin this week, it would be tantamount to violating Ukrainian law.

This “forced negotiation” between Russia and Ukraine, pushed by Trump, is becoming increasingly incomprehensible.