Zelensky Invites Trump to Peace Talks Amid Uncertainty Over…

Ukrainian President Zelensky invited former President Trump to peace talks in Turkey, suggesting Trump’s presence might encourage Russian President Putin to attend. However, the Kremlin remains noncommittal about Putin’s participation, leading to uncertainty about the meeting’s effectiveness.

In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended an invitation to former President Donald Trump to join him for peace talks this week. Zelensky believes that Trump’s presence could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend as well. However, he expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s intentions towards peace or negotiations during a press conference in Kyiv.

The Kremlin has been rather tight-lipped about Putin’s potential travel plans for a meeting in Turkey, where peace talks are scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated, “As soon as the president sees it fit, we will announce the delegation’s makeup,” leaving much speculation about Putin’s commitment to attending this crucial meeting.

Intriguingly, Trump hinted at his willingness to participate in the peace talks on Monday while speaking to reporters at the White House. He mentioned that the meeting in Turkey would coincide with his planned trip to the Middle East and cautioned not to underestimate its significance.

Over the weekend, Putin had called for direct dialogue with Ukraine, but he sidestepped calls from Kyiv and its allies for an immediate cease-fire by Monday, warning of further sanctions should the situation not resolve. Raising the stakes even higher, Zelensky expressed his readiness to travel to Turkey for a face-to-face meeting with Putin, directly challenging him to demonstrate his commitment.

On Tuesday, Zelensky remarked regarding Trump, “If he were to confirm his participation, I think it would give an additional push for Putin to come.” He emphasized that both he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are prepared to meet in Ankara or even travel to whatever location Putin prefers.

With tensions continuing to rise and no clear signal from Moscow, the outcome of these peace talks remains in question. This situation will be closely watched as it develops and it certainly underscores the complexities of international diplomacy amid ongoing conflicts.

In summary, President Zelensky is actively seeking former President Trump’s involvement in peace talks, hoping it encourages President Putin to engage as well. With skepticism about Putin’s willingness to negotiate and the Kremlin’s unclear stance, the upcoming meeting on Thursday in Turkey appears pivotal. As global attention remains focused on the situation, the outcomes of these discussions are uncertain, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com