Zelensky Invites Trump to Pressure Putin at Peace Talks in Turkey
Ukrainian President Zelensky invited Donald Trump to peace talks in Turkey, hoping to pressure Putin to attend. The Kremlin’s response remains unclear, with skepticism surrounding Putin’s commitment to negotiations. Zelensky and Turkey’s Erdogan stand ready to meet Putin, signaling urgency for dialogue amid the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reached out to former U.S. President Donald Trump, inviting him to peace talks scheduled for this week in Turkey. Zelensky argues that Trump’s presence could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage directly in discussions. However, Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s willingness to negotiate or prioritize peace, indicating the uncertainty surrounding the Kremlin’s intentions.
On Tuesday, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov was vague about whether Putin would attend the previously announced talks, which are set for Thursday in Istanbul. He simply noted, “As soon as the president sees it fit, we will announce” who will make up the Russian delegation, leaving many to second-guess Putin’s next move.
Interestingly, Trump hinted on Monday that he might participate in the upcoming negotiations, coinciding with his own visit to the Middle East. During a press briefing at the White House, he remarked, “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” sparking speculation over the dynamics of the meeting.
Over the weekend, President Putin called for direct conversations with Ukraine but disregarded demands from Kyiv and its Western allies for an immediate cease-fire by a Monday deadline. Zelensky intensified the pressure Monday, announcing he would go to Turkey for a face-to-face meeting, challenging Putin to follow suit.
In his remarks on Tuesday, Zelensky suggested that Trump’s involvement would significantly influence the conversation, stating, “If he were to confirm his participation, I think it would give an additional push for Putin to come.” This statement underscores the complex interplay of international relations affecting the peace talks.
Additionally, Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv that he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are prepared to meet Putin in Ankara, but are also flexible to travel wherever Putin chooses to hold the discussions. This willingness reflects Ukraine’s urgency in securing a dialogue to address ongoing conflicts.
With the stakes high and uncertainty looming over Putin’s plans, the outcome of the peace talks remains unpredictable as they approach. Both sides appear to be maneuvering within a delicate framework of diplomacy and potential military consequences.
In summary, President Zelensky of Ukraine has extended an invitation to Donald Trump to join peace talks in Turkey, aiming to influence Russian President Putin’s attendance. However, Putin’s hesitance and the Kremlin’s unclear stance complicate the prospects for meaningful engagement. Zelensky and Erdogan’s readiness to meet Putin anywhere highlights the urgency for dialogue in the ongoing conflict, as the world awaits Thursday’s talks in Istanbul.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
