As a potential meeting between Zelensky and Putin in Istanbul approaches, key figures in world politics are clarifying their stances. Trump has not ruled out participating, while China and Brazil are supporting dialogue. However, the United States is refusing to invite Ukraine to the NATO summit and considers Putin to be the main obstacle to peace. In response, Zelenskyy calls for new sanctions and emphasizes that the war must end with a political victory.
Trump has not ruled out participating in the Istanbul talks
U.S. President Donald Trump said, his busy schedule would not prevent him from meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin if he arrives in Istanbul on May 15. However, while en route to Qatar from Saudi Arabia, he said he did not know whether the Kremlin leader would visit Turkey.
Zelenskyy expects a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, that during his expected meeting with the Russian leader in Turkey, he plans to discuss a ceasefire and the exchange of all prisoners. He emphasized that the war cannot last for another 10 years, as Ukraine will not stand it.
"If I meet with him, we must emerge victorious politically: with a ceasefire and the exchange of all prisoners for all..." Zelensky explained.
He added that if Putin does not attend the talks, it will be seen as his total defeat.
The United States opposes Zelenskyy's invitation to the NATO summit
The United States opposed the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the June 24, 2025 NATO summit in The Hague. Only four Asian partners received invitations: Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Other allies were surprised by this decision because they believe Zelenskyy's participation in the summit is important for demonstrating the Alliance's unity and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. However, the United States probably wants to avoid escalation due to the growing relationship between NATO and Ukraine.
Bolton: Trump is ready to give up Ukraine's sovereignty
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has expressed that Donald Trump is ready to give up Ukraine's sovereignty to reach a deal with Russia. Bolton believes Trump will make significant concessions if they meet his political goals.
The US sees Putin as an obstacle to peace
According to The Financial Timesthe United States now views Russian President Vladimir Putin as the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin's lack of compromise makes it impossible to reach a peace agreement.
For instance, Ukrainian intelligence officials informed the Financial Times that Russia seems to be preparing for a larger offensive by moving troops to critical areas on the front lines rather than signaling its readiness for peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy calls on the U.S. to impose strong sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects the United States to impose strong sanctions on Russia. He also called convincing Donald Trump that Putin is not keeping his promises.
Zelenskyy said it was necessary to show Trump that Putin was lying and that Russia was slowing down the peace process.
"That's why I'm doing what I'm doing: not only for Ukraine, but also so that other countries can see that Putin does not want this," Zelenskyy said.
Meanwhile, China and Brazil support the idea of negotiations
China and Brazil issued a joint statement welcoming Putin's proposal to begin direct negotiations with Ukraine. The Brazilian president intends to persuade Putin to meet with Zelenskyy.
Author: Danylo Pievchev