Zelenskyy's Bold Move: Face-to-Face Meeting with Putin Proposed

Ukraine-Russia War: Zelenskyy Challenges Putin to Face-to-Face Talks in Turkey Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a direct challenge to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting in Turkey this Thursday, aiming to find a resolution to the protracted war. This bold move follows a proposal from European leaders, acting in conjunction with the United States, for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. However, Putin, in a late-night address, appeared to sidestep this offer, instead suggesting direct talks between the two nations. Adding to the complexity, Zelenskyy himself issued a statement calling for a full and lasting ceasefire, effective immediately. He stated, "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings." This firm stance underlines the urgency of the situation and the high stakes involved in the upcoming talks. The choice of Turkey as a neutral venue is significant. Turkey has maintained good relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict, playing a crucial role in facilitating previous agreements, including deals to allow Ukrainian grain exports to resume safely. The international community will be closely watching to see if Putin accepts Zelenskyy's invitation, a direct meeting between the two leaders hasn't happened since 2019. The outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of the war and the prospects for peace.