Ukraine and its European allies are pushing for a 30-day ceasefire before starting peace talks with Russia, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded with an escalation in attacks, including more than 100 drones aimed at Ukraine. This has intensified the standoff, with both sides drawing clear lines on the conditions for negotiations.
Trump’s Support for Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Putin’s position, urging Ukraine to agree to meet for talks in Turkey without a ceasefire. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed support for Putin, stating, “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.”
Ukraine Challenges Putin with Direct Offer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not backed down, however. He challenged Putin to meet in person in Istanbul, declaring, “I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.” Zelenskyy’s bold move was a direct challenge to Putin, aiming to put pressure on the Russian president to follow through with the talks.
Russia’s Escalation: Drone Attacks and Continued Frontline Conflict
In response, Russia launched an overnight wave of drones, most of which were intercepted by Ukrainian forces. This was followed by continued attacks on Ukrainian positions along the frontlines. Meanwhile, Russia reported a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, further escalating the situation. The back-and-forth between Moscow and Kyiv appears to be a game of political brinkmanship, with each side attempting to outmaneuver the other.
Ukraine Seeks to Outplay Putin
Ukrainian officials believe Zelenskyy’s move to offer a face-to-face meeting with Putin in Turkey has shifted the dynamics. According to Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign relations committee, this challenge forces Putin into a corner: “The Ukrainian president turned the tables. Because now Putin cannot help but go personally, because then Trump and everyone will see that Putin does not want negotiations.”
Trump’s Perspective on Negotiations
Trump’s involvement adds a layer of complexity to the situation. He has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations and emphasized the need for a resolution. In his Truth Social post, he wrote, “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly.”
Ukraine’s Position on Negotiations with Putin
Despite Putin’s push for direct talks, there are still questions surrounding Ukraine’s willingness to engage with him. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, accused Ukraine of violating previous ceasefires and warned against a “simplistic approach” to talks. Moscow also insists that Ukraine must first lift its 2022 ban on negotiations with Russia. However, Ukrainian officials have clarified that the ban was meant to prevent unauthorized talks and does not rule out direct negotiations with Putin when the time is right.
The Uncertainty of Thursday’s Meeting
As the date for the potential meeting in Turkey approaches, it remains uncertain whether Zelenskyy will travel to Istanbul to await Putin. A senior Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, stated, “We will not publicly disclose our plans, as we’re waiting for the Russians to react.” The next steps are still unclear, with the situation hanging in the balance.