[EUROPE] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the recent surge in diplomatic efforts between Kyiv and Moscow would ultimately convince former U.S. President Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains the primary obstacle to securing peace.
Speaking to a select group of journalists, including The Guardian, from his office in Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of persuading Trump that Moscow is stalling progress. “Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies,” he said. “And we should do our part. Sensibly approach this issue, to show that it’s not us that is slowing down the process.”
His comments come amid an intensifying flurry of diplomacy, with Western leaders increasingly advocating for negotiations. Yet serious disagreements persist over the conditions of any deal, particularly surrounding territorial concessions and security arrangements. Zelenskyy has consistently insisted that Ukraine will not surrender sovereignty over Russian-occupied territories—a position that has earned both vocal support and quiet unease among allies.
Zelenskyy confirmed he will travel to Turkey on Thursday regardless of whether Putin attends proposed talks. Analysts believe the Russian president’s abrupt suggestion to meet in Istanbul could be a strategic ploy to exploit rifts within the Western alliance, particularly as debates continue in Washington and European capitals over future support for Ukraine.
Putin has a history of using dramatic diplomatic gestures to project openness, while privately holding to rigid demands—a tactic that has frequently stalled past negotiations.
Zelenskyy noted he had already arranged a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara and was prepared to fly to Istanbul if Putin arrived. “If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war,” he stated.
His remarks followed Putin’s surprise late-night call for bilateral talks in Istanbul. Zelenskyy responded swiftly, saying he would await the Russian leader in Turkey on Thursday.
Adding to the complexity of the unfolding diplomatic maneuvering, Trump—currently visiting Saudi Arabia—floated the possibility of a three-way summit. “I believe the two leaders are going to be there. I was thinking about flying over,” Trump said Monday.
Trump’s potential involvement has stirred both hope and apprehension. While he has long touted himself as a dealmaker capable of brokering an end to the conflict, his past praise of Putin and criticism of U.S. military aid to Ukraine have fueled skepticism in Kyiv. Some European diplomats privately express concern that Trump’s mediation could fracture the West’s unified stance, though others view his participation as a possible breakthrough.
Zelenskyy welcomed the idea of a meeting with Trump, believing it might push Putin to attend as well. “Trump can really help. It’s the situation where the US being present can give important guarantees,” he said.
Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, echoed that sentiment, suggesting a summit involving all three leaders could yield progress. “This could be a really great meeting,” Kellogg told Fox News. Reports also suggest that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff may be in Turkey this week.
However, Kremlin officials have offered no confirmation that Putin plans to travel. Though not ruling it out, Moscow appears inclined to send a lower-level delegation. “Our delegation will be there and will wait for the Ukrainian side,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow intends to use the forum to address what it considers the “root causes” of the conflict, including the “denazification” of Ukraine and the annexation of occupied territories—underscoring the gulf between both sides’ positions.
Zelenskyy maintained that only a ceasefire agreed directly between himself and Putin would justify lower-level negotiations. “We’re not going to agree on everything now. It’s impossible,” he said. “But we have to somehow find a way to end the war.”
He pointed to earlier Saudi-hosted talks, where U.S. mediators facilitated indirect dialogue but failed to secure a ceasefire. “Without signals from the leaders, or a meeting of the leaders, this format doesn’t work,” he said. Still, Zelenskyy did not rule out sending Ukrainian negotiators to Istanbul, stating, “I don’t know. I am being honest.”
The latest diplomatic push began with visits to Kyiv on Saturday by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland. Their visit came just a day after Moscow’s military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet World War II victory. After a phone call with Trump, the European leaders delivered an ultimatum to Putin: agree to a 30-day ceasefire by Monday or face additional sanctions. Putin declined, instead proposing talks in Istanbul without a truce.
This European ultimatum reflects mounting frustration over Russia’s refusal to budge, while also revealing lingering divisions among Western nations. The U.S. has increased military support for Ukraine, but disagreements remain over the scope and timing of further sanctions, particularly among European countries dependent on Russian energy.
Should the Istanbul meetings fail to yield progress, attention will turn to whether Trump can be persuaded to align with European efforts to intensify pressure on the Kremlin. Zelenskyy voiced confidence that additional U.S. sanctions were imminent. “I believe the Americans are very close to imposing these sanctions,” he said, adding that confidential consultations with European partners were planned in the coming days.
Zelenskyy has been carefully managing relations with the Trump camp in recent weeks, particularly following a fraught White House meeting in February. A more productive conversation with Trump at Pope Francis’s funeral in the Vatican appears to have reset the relationship.
Pressed on what shifted Trump’s tone, Zelenskyy demurred: “I won’t tell you. I know the reasons … But I can’t say, I just can’t.”
Meanwhile, British and French officials have been working closely with Ukraine to help rebuild ties with the U.S. Zelenskyy described these conversations as more frequent and constructive than ever. He singled out French President Emmanuel Macron as one of the few world leaders he speaks with regularly. “He has a very creative approach … He’s a risk-taker. And risk-takers can be different kinds of people, but they are all focused on results.”
Following his visit to Turkey, Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Albania for a European political gathering, and potentially to Rome, where he may attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV after a recent positive phone call.
“I think it could happen on Sunday,” he said. “If it works out. We don’t know what this week will bring. We have come to the moment when we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
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