Zelensky Calls on Trump to Join Peace Talks Amid Uncertainty Over…

Ukrainian President Zelensky invites Trump to peace talks in Turkey, aiming to pressure Putin to attend. The Kremlin remains ambiguous about Putin’s participation amid ongoing calls for direct dialogue and a ceasefire.

In a bold move, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky reached out to former President Donald Trump, requesting his presence at upcoming peace talks this week. He believes Trump’s attendance could pressure Russia’s President Vladimir V. Putin to participate in the discussions, which are scheduled to take place in Istanbul this Thursday. However, Zelensky remains skeptical about Putin’s genuine interest in peace negotiations.

The Kremlin has been tight-lipped about Putin’s travel plans, declining to confirm whether he will attend the Istanbul meeting. Dmitri S. Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, told Russian news outlets, “As soon as the president sees it fit, we will announce” how the delegation will be composed.

Interestingly, Trump had speculated just a day earlier about the possibility of attending the meeting, coinciding with his upcoming trip to the Middle East. He hinted at the significance of the talks by stating, “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” during a press briefing at the White House.

While Putin hinted at a willingness for direct dialogue with Ukraine over the weekend, he is not backing down on the demands issued by Kyiv and its international allies for a ceasefire. Instead, he has faced the prospect of further sanctions should he fail to respond by Monday. Zelensky countered this by announcing that he would indeed go to Turkey for face-to-face discussions, urging Putin to join him.

In a statement to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed his belief that Trump’s participation could create “an additional push for Putin to come.” He emphasized his readiness to meet with Putin in Ankara, but he also expressed a willingness to travel to whatever location Putin prefers for the talks, highlighting his dedication to achieving a resolution.

In conclusion, Zelensky’s appeal to Trump reflects a strategic hope to leverage U.S. influence in pressuring Russia for peace talks. As the situation remains fluid, particularly with Putin’s ambiguous intentions, the upcoming meeting in Istanbul will be crucial. The outcome of these discussions may significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com