Former President Donald Trump has expressed optimism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion for direct negotiations with Ukraine, calling it “a possibly great day.” This comes amid heightened global tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and stalled peace talks.

Trump’s Perspective on the Proposed Meeting

Trump conveyed his views via Truth Social, stating that Putin is seeking a meeting in Turkey with Ukrainian representatives on Thursday to discuss “a possible end to the BLOODBATH.” He emphasized the potential benefits of such a meeting, suggesting it could save “hundreds of thousands of lives.”

trump added, “I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens. The USA wants to focus, instead, on Rebuilding and Trade. A BIG week upcoming!”

The Ultimatum and Putin’s Invitation

Prior to Putin’s proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and other european leaders reportedly issued an ultimatum to Putin, threatening increased sanctions if Moscow did not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.

Putin, speaking from the kremlin on Sunday, invited Kyiv to participate in “serious negotiations” in Istanbul, with the aim of “moving towards a lasting, strong peace.” He described thes talks as the “first step” toward “long-term lasting peace and not a prologue to a continuation of the armed conflict after rearmament.”

Zelensky’s Response and Conditions

Zelensky has indicated his country is “ready to meet” with Moscow but reiterated his own ceasefire proposal. He acknowledged Putin’s consideration of ending the war as “a positive sign,” stating on X, formerly Twitter, It is indeed a positive sign that the Russians have finaly begun to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this for a vrey long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.

Zelensky added, There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day.We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire—full, lasting, and reliable—starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.

It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.

There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa)
May 11, 2025

International Reactions and Involvement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Putin’s proposal with French President Emmanuel Macron, calling it a “historic moment,” according to Turkey’s press service. The service stated on X that a historic turning point has been reached in ending the war between ukraine and Russia and that this opportunity should be seized. It further noted that Turkey is ready to offer any contribution, including hosting negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace.

The press service also conveyed that it is indeed critically important to continue cooperating in starting permanent peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and in sensitively carrying out the processes of Ukraine’s restoration.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the conflict during his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican, stating, I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.

Statements from Putin and the kremlin

Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to negotiations, stating, We are persistent to have serious negotiations with Ukraine.The purpose is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish long-term, lasting peace with a historical perspective.

He added, We do not exclude that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree to some new truces, a new ceasefire. Moreover, a real ceasefire that would be observed not only by the Russian side, but also by the Ukrainian side.

Putin clarified that this would be the first step, I repeat, toward long-term sustainable peace and not a prologue to a continuation of the armed conflict after rearmament. re-completion of Ukraine’s armed forces and feverish digging of trenches and new strongpoints.

kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News, We think that the seriousness is to propose negotiations. A simplistic approach to a ceasefire is inappropriate.

Uncertainties and Next Steps

It remains to be seen weather Putin will respond to Zelensky’s call for a ceasefire. While Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet,it is unclear whether this constitutes a direct acceptance of Putin’s invitation to Istanbul.