Breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia War: Zelensky-Putin to hold direct talks in Istanbul

KATHMANDU: In a significant diplomatic development aimed at ending the long-running war between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The high-stakes meeting is expected to take place this Thursday in Istanbul, Turkey.

Zelensky’s announcement has reignited hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Taking to social media, he stated, “People should not keep dying. I will be waiting for Putin in Istanbul on Thursday.”

This statement came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s proposal for direct negotiations.

Analysts believe Trump’s remarks may have helped pave the way for renewed diplomatic efforts.

Until recently, President Zelensky had insisted that no talks could take place without a ceasefire.

However, growing international pressure and the worsening humanitarian crisis appear to have prompted a more flexible and pragmatic approach from Kyiv.

Just days earlier, the “Coalition of the Willing” — a group of concerned nations — held a meeting in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Following the summit, several European countries called for an immediate ceasefire starting Monday. Shortly afterward, President Putin issued a rare statement proposing direct talks and presenting what he described as a serious offer to end the war.

“This is the first step toward lasting peace,” Putin declared during a televised address on Saturday evening — the first time he has publicly shown a clear intent to halt hostilities.

President Zelensky has expressed hope that Russia will signal a ceasefire even before the talks begin.

Experts suggest that if the Istanbul summit proves successful, it could mark a turning point in achieving peace and stability in Eastern Europe.