Zelensky ready to meet Putin in Turkey, calls for immediate ceasefire
Editor's note: The story was expanded with reporting by Axios and comments from a source in the Presidential Office.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 11 said he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15.
"There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will wait for Putin on Thursday in Turkey," Zelensky said.
"We expect a ceasefire from tomorrow — this proposal is on the table. A complete and unconditional ceasefire — long-term, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy — could bring peace much closer," he added in a separate statement.
As Ukraine's allies push for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, Putin has rejected an immediate ceasefire and instead suggested direct peace talks be held in Istanbul beginning May 15.
"We have repeatedly heard from partners that they are ready to strengthen sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses a ceasefire," Zelensky said.
An undisclosed Ukrainian official told Axios that Zelensky will be in Turkey on May 15 even if Moscow does not agree to the ceasefire proposal on May 12.
Asked by the Kyiv Independent whether Zelensky plans to make the trip even if Russia does not support the truce, a source close to the Presidential Office said: "We are ready for all options. But of course, we are separately waiting for a response on the ceasefire."
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Russia and Ukraine to hold peace talks "immediately" as efforts by the White House have thus far failed to establish a ceasefire.
"I hope that this time the Russians do not look for reasons why they cannot," Zelensky said.
"(W)e in Ukraine have no problem holding negotiations — we are ready for any format. I will be in Turkey this Thursday."
Kyiv has said it is ready to talk but insists any negotiations must begin with a full cessation of hostilities.
"I will be in Turkey this Thursday, May 15 — and I am expecting Putin in Turkey," Zelensky said.
The Kremlin has shown no signs it is willing to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations brokered by the U.S.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.
Zelensky has repeatedly called for a 30-day ceasefire, saying on April 23, Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."
In a historic meeting in Kyiv on May 10, Ukraine and European allies put forth a demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning May 12.
By responding with an invitation to talks and no promises to extend the ceasefire, Putin refused the call for an unconditional truce.
"Putin... doesn't want to have a ceasefire 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," Trump said earlier on May 11.