Ukraine Peace Talks: Putin and Zelenskyy to Meet in Turkey; Trump May Join

Ukraine Conflict: Putin and Zelenskyy to Meet in Turkey Amidst Ongoing Shelling The war in Ukraine took an unexpected turn this week with the announcement of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey. The meeting, proposed by Putin, is scheduled for Thursday, May 15th. Zelenskyy confirmed his attendance, stating, "I am ready to be in Turkey." However, he also noted that "the world has not yet received a clear response from Russia regarding numerous ceasefire proposals." The ongoing shelling and attacks by Russia are a stark contrast to the hopes for peace. Putin's proposal for direct negotiations signifies a potential shift in the conflict's trajectory. The stated goal is to find a lasting peace, viewed from a historical perspective, as Putin emphasized in his statement. Zelenskyy's willingness to meet, despite the continued attacks, shows his commitment to exploring all avenues for peace. The potential involvement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed his support for the meeting and the possibility of traveling to Turkey to join the discussions, adds another layer of complexity and interest to this significant event. The meeting's success hinges on whether a genuine ceasefire can be achieved, one that is respected by both sides. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping that this meeting will bring an end to the bloodshed and suffering in Ukraine.