May 12, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly challenged Vladimir Putin to attend in-person peace talks, proposing Istanbul as the location. The challenge follows a series of indirect proposals and mixed signals from Moscow, with Putin recently suggesting “direct talks” but failing to confirm attendance or endorse any specific diplomatic framework.

Zelensky’s Position: Direct Accountability
Speaking from Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized the need for face-to-face negotiations, rejecting further talks mediated by surrogates or conducted without top-level political authority. He framed his invitation as a test of Russia’s sincerity and willingness to pursue a genuine ceasefire. Zelensky stated, “We will not accept ambiguity. I am ready to meet President Putin in Istanbul personally, at any time, but under clear terms.”

Kyiv’s latest demand comes amid a shifting international landscape, with renewed diplomatic involvement from the Trump administration and ongoing ceasefire proposals circulating through European and Turkish intermediaries.

Putin’s Stance: Ambiguity and Deflection
In a televised address, Putin offered “direct dialogue” but stopped short of agreeing to an in-person summit. Russian officials later declined to confirm the commitment, citing security concerns and procedural issues. No senior Kremlin figure has indicated a willingness to participate directly in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Moscow has escalated attacks in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, casting further doubt on the authenticity of its peace overtures. Kyiv’s military intelligence warns that Moscow could leverage ceasefire proposals as a stalling tactic.

Geopolitical Pressure Mounts
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now acting as an unofficial mediator, has reportedly urged both sides to meet and resolve the conflict under a framework proposed in Riyadh. Zelensky, however, has made clear that Ukraine will only engage if Russia commits to a verified ceasefire and withdrawal benchmarks.

Diplomatic observers see Zelensky’s public challenge as a strategic move designed to shift diplomatic pressure onto Putin, forcing him to either appear at the table or be seen globally as evading responsibility. The ball rests with the Kremlin as Kyiv waits for a definitive answer.