Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended an invitation to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, indicating he is prepared to meet in Türkiye this week. This announcement follows a proposal from Putin to hold peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction since it began in 2022.

The timing of Zelenskyy’s announcement is particularly notable, as it came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding Ukraine's willingness to negotiate. Trump stated on social media that he was beginning to doubt Ukraine's desire for a peaceful settlement, urging Zelenskyy to accept the Russian offer promptly.

Putin's suggestion to conduct peace talks in Türkiye was aimed at addressing what he described as the root causes of the conflict. However, Zelenskyy has made it clear that any discussions must be predicated on a ceasefire agreement. In a post on social media, he emphasized, "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," highlighting the urgent need for an end to hostilities before meaningful negotiations can take place.

Initially, Zelenskyy expressed a desire for a ceasefire to commence on Monday local time, which he linked to the potential talks. His quick response to Putin's proposition reflects Ukraine's precarious position and the intense international scrutiny surrounding the conflict.

Interestingly, it remains uncertain whether Putin is planning to attend the talks in person, as discussions about the logistics of the meeting continue. Türkiye’s President Tayyip Erdoğan, known for his role as a mediator in the conflict, has recently had conversations with Putin, showcasing his country's strategic position to facilitate dialogue between the two nations.

The ongoing conflict has not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but has also raised questions about the future of Ukraine and its relations with Russia and the West. The international community is closely watching developments as both leaders prepare for the potential meeting in Türkiye.