Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet for peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday, offering a personal meeting to help end the ongoing war.

Zelensky’s announcement on X came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Putin’s recent proposal for direct negotiations in Turkey.

“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally,” Zelensky wrote.

Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is open to negotiations but insisted that talks can only proceed once a ceasefire is in place. He said he hoped Russia would agree to a “full and lasting ceasefire” starting Monday, setting the foundation for diplomatic efforts.

The Ukrainian leader’s statement follows a meeting in Kyiv between Zelensky and European leaders—including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German politician Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The group, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire and warned of harsh new sanctions against Russia if it does not comply.

In response to these developments, Putin invited Ukraine to participate in what he called "serious negotiations" about the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. He stated that a truce could be possible, calling it a step toward “long-term, lasting peace,” though he did not address the proposed 30-day ceasefire directly.

However, Moscow has previously said it would only consider a ceasefire if Western nations stop supplying arms to Ukraine.

On Sunday, Trump weighed in, urging Ukraine to accept the offer for talks “immediately,” arguing that the meeting would clarify whether a peace deal is possible. “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible,” Trump said on social media. “Have the meeting, now!”

Despite both sides expressing a willingness to return to the negotiating table, there remain deep divisions. The last face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine were held in Istanbul in March 2022, just weeks after the invasion began. Since then, efforts toward peace have stalled amid escalating conflict and diverging demands.

While a resumption of dialogue signals a possible opening, any real progress toward peace remains uncertain.