Zelensky increases pressure: "I will personally wait for Putin in Turkey"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared he would personally wait for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, May 15.

"We're expecting a complete and lasting ceasefire, starting tomorrow, to provide the necessary foundation for diplomacy. It's pointless to prolong the killings. And I will wait for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally," emphasised the Ukrainian president.

On May 10, several European leaders arrived in Kyiv. They first met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, then with US President Donald Trump.

During the meeting, it became clear that Ukraine and its allies were ready for a total and unconditional ceasefire, that would last at least 30 days.

Mr. Zelensky then confirmed that the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was to begin on Monday, May 12.

But on May 11, Vladimir Putin rejected the ceasefire proposal. He offered to resume negotiations started in 2022 in Istanbul, but only after May 15.

Trump urged Ukraine to immediately accept talks with Russia in Turkey, considering it an opportunity to see if an agreement was even possible.

(MH with AmBar - Source: Agency - Photo: © DPA - ROPI - POU)