Putin and Zelenskyy: Peace Talks in Türkiye Amidst EU Sanctions Threat

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted renewed calls for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders last met in December 2019 in Paris, a meeting facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Now, with the war raging, Putin has proposed direct talks in Türkiye, aiming to establish a lasting peace. Zelenskyy, however, appears skeptical, stating, "I believe if Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point of his demonstration that he does not want to end the war." The EU is prepared to impose further sanctions on Russian energy and financial assets if no progress is made this week. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has invited Donald Trump to witness the situation firsthand, and Trump has indicated he will send envoys. Regional analysts suggest that Trump's presence might have increased pressure on Putin to engage in meaningful dialogue. The situation remains tense, but the proposed talks in Türkiye offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution.