Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a strong demand for Russia to observe an immediate ceasefire beginning on Monday. In a bold move, he has also challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face for peace negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday. This announcement came on Sunday, following Putin's earlier rejection of Ukraine and its European allies' proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. While the Russian leader expressed a willingness to engage in direct talks with Ukraine, he insisted that these discussions occur without any preconditions.

In his statement, President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for peace, declaring, “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow [Monday], to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings.” He voiced his intent to personally attend the meeting in Türkiye on Thursday, expressing hope that this time, the Russian side would not seek excuses to avoid negotiations.

However, it remains uncertain if Zelenskyy’s participation in the Istanbul meeting is contingent upon the implementation of the ceasefire starting on Monday. Additionally, there has been no immediate response from the Kremlin regarding whether President Putin would agree to attend the talks. Earlier on Sunday, Putin had dismissed Kyiv's proposal for an extended ceasefire and reiterated his demand for direct negotiations without any prerequisites, leaving the details of who would represent Russia in these discussions unclear.

The geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict has involved U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly urged Zelenskyy to accept the invitation for talks. On his Truth Social platform, Trump implored, “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” His remarks came shortly after Zelenskyy’s statements. Trump further commented, “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH.” He advised Ukraine to agree to the meeting immediately, arguing that it could clarify whether a deal might be feasible and provide a clearer understanding for European leaders and the U.S.

In response to Russia's offer for direct negotiations, Ukraine’s European allies stressed the importance of a ceasefire taking precedence before any direct talks could take place. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterized Russia's willingness to negotiate as “a good sign,” but he maintained that this gesture was “far from sufficient.” He articulated the necessity for Moscow to consent to a ceasefire that would facilitate genuine discussions, stating, “First the weapons must be silenced, then the discussions can begin.” French President Emmanuel Macron also underscored the need for a ceasefire, with the Élysée Palace reporting that he had earlier spoken with his German, British, and Polish counterparts about the ongoing situation as well as with Trump and Zelenskyy.

In a related development, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed significant findings from a year-long investigation into a massive fire that devastated a shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024. Tusk stated that Russian secret services were behind the arson, which had been orchestrated by individuals located in Russia. He confirmed that some suspects had been apprehended, while others had been identified and were actively being sought.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV has made a heartfelt appeal for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In his first Sunday address at the Vatican, he expressed empathy for the suffering of the Ukrainian people, stating, “I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.” This statement reflects the growing international concern over the ongoing conflict and the escalating humanitarian crisis that has ensued.