Cliff Notes – Trump says Ukraine should “immediately” agree to direct talks with Russia
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Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to accept an invitation for direct talks with Russia, emphasizing urgency in the negotiation process to potentially end the conflict.
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Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy expressed readiness to meet Russian representatives, contingent on a ceasefire that precedes the proposed discussions in Turkey.
- Analysts suggest that Putin’s call for talks may serve as a strategic delay rather than a genuine peace initiative, with uncertainties surrounding the likelihood of a successful ceasefire.
‘Have the meeting now!’: Trump says Ukraine should ‘immediately’ agree to direct talks with Russia
US President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine should “immediately” agree to direct talks with Russia in a bid to end the war.
It comes after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his team were “ready to meet“ Russian representatives following Vladimir Putin suggestion of peace talks, subject to an unconditional ceasefire starting on Monday.
Russia’s president put forward the proposal for talks in Istanbul on Thursday after European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer threatened him with fresh sanctions if Russia failed to comply with an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
However, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Mr Trump said he was “starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin”.
He urged them to accept the meeting invitation “immediately”, adding “have the meeting now”.
Sources
Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him after Trump demands Ukraine-Russia talks – BBC
Russia-Ukraine war updates: Trump tells Ukraine to talk with Putin ‘now’ – Al Jazeera
Zelensky challenges Putin’s offer to meet after Russia ignores ceasefire demand – CNN