Zelenskyy Asks Trump to Help Push Putin to Peace Table
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming peace summit in Istanbul, scheduled for May 15, with the aim of compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table. Zelenskyy underscored that only a direct meeting with Putin can lead to tangible progress in ending the war that has gripped Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Zelenskyy has already confirmed his participation at the Istanbul summit, and he emphasized the need for strong international presence to ensure that Russia does not derail the peace efforts. He noted that Trump’s attendance could play a decisive role in applying pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine Peace Talks
While international actors have called for a temporary 30-day ceasefire to facilitate meaningful dialogue, Russian forces have continued aggressive military operations. In the days leading up to the summit, Russia reportedly launched over 100 drones targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Despite rejecting the ceasefire proposal, Moscow has signaled a willingness to attend the Istanbul discussions without imposing preconditions.
The Istanbul summit is being closely watched by global observers as a potential inflection point in the war. It is expected to bring together various stakeholders in an attempt to revive stalled peace initiatives and explore diplomatic solutions that have thus far failed to materialize.
Trump’s Possible Role
Donald Trump has hinted at his interest in attending the summit, claiming the talks would not have progressed without his influence. While his presence is not yet confirmed, it is being viewed as a potential catalyst to shift the diplomatic dynamics. Trump’s past relationship with Putin and his assertive foreign policy style could create new avenues for negotiation, or at the very least, draw more global attention to the talks.
European Union officials and other world leaders have expressed support for the Istanbul initiative but have also issued warnings. If the summit fails to produce measurable progress, additional sanctions on Russia are likely to follow. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact the future course of the Ukraine conflict and broader international relations.
