Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye on Thursday following a public call from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine to engage in direct talks.

The development comes as European leaders set a deadline today for Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. Instead of agreeing to the ceasefire, President Putin made a counter-offer to hold a meeting.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, urged Ukraine to agree to the meeting, stating it would help determine the possibility of a deal. He added that the outcome would help the US assess the positions of both countries and decide on further steps.

If the meeting proceeds, it would mark the first direct talks between the two leaders since the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

President Zelenskyy said a full and lasting ceasefire starting today would provide the necessary foundation for diplomatic talks. “We are waiting for President Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. I hope Russia will not look for excuses,” Zelenskyy said.

Russia has previously said that any ceasefire must take into account what it considers the root causes of the war.

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