Zelensky Invites Trump to Join Peace Talks Amid Uncertainty Over…

Ukrainian President Zelensky has urged former President Trump to attend peace talks in Turkey, believing it could encourage Russian President Putin to also participate. The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin’s attendance. Tensions remain high as Putin calls for talks but ignores ceasefire demands from Ukraine. Zelensky is set to travel to Turkey for discussions with President Erdogan, aiming for a collaborative approach.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine publicly called on former President Donald Trump to participate in upcoming peace talks, believing that Trump’s involvement could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to join as well. Zelensky expressed skepticism about Putin’s willingness to engage in discussions or pursue peace, which adds complexity to the ongoing tensions between the nations.

The Kremlin remains ambiguous about whether President Putin will attend the upcoming negotiations in Turkey, scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said they would announce the details concerning any delegation when it is deemed appropriate by the president. This keeps the situation somewhat uncertain as the date approaches.

Interestingly, Trump hinted during a press conference that his participation could align with his planned Middle East visit later this week. “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” Trump remarked, suggesting that his presence might carry significant implications for the talks.

Over the weekend, Putin made overtures for direct engagement with Ukraine but disregarded Kyiv’s calls for an immediate ceasefire by Monday, omitting commitments that would mitigate the ongoing conflict. In response, Zelensky intensified the stakes by asserting he would travel to Turkey for a direct meeting and challenging Putin to appear as well.

Continuing to emphasize the importance of Trump’s attendance, Zelensky said, “If he were to confirm his participation, I think it would give an additional push for Putin to come,” indicating that he believes Trump’s presence could facilitate the dialogue.

In addressing concerns around communication and collaboration, Zelensky also mentioned his cooperation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They are prepared not only for the anticipated meeting in Ankara but are willing to go to any location Putin prefers, demonstrating their commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict.

In summary, Zelensky’s appeal to Trump to join peace talks underscores the urgency of diplomatic efforts in Ukraine’s ongoing crisis with Russia. With the Kremlin’s indecisiveness coupled with Trump’s potential involvement, the dynamics surrounding the upcoming Istanbul discussions remain fluid and uncertain. Overall, the hope for constructive dialogue visibly hangs in the balance as key players navigate this intricate geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com