Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with his Turkish counterpart Recep Erdogan details of the upcoming May 15 talks in Istanbul, in which Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to participate, Ukrinform and Reuters reported, citing a post by Zelensky on social networks, BTA reported.
"I spoke with the Turkish president to discuss key details of the meeting in Turkey, which could help end the war. I am grateful for his support and readiness to facilitate diplomacy at the highest level. We share common views on the need for a ceasefire," the Ukrainian president wrote.
He stressed that it is also important for the partners to ensure monitoring of the ceasefire.
"We are ready for direct talks with Putin. It is crucial that we in Europe continue to work together to provide long-term security guarantees. We will remain in constant contact with the United States. President Erdogan and I will continue our joint efforts to ensure peace," Zelensky added.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he could join the talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday, Reuters reported. Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. "I think we could have a good result from the meeting on Thursday in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine," he told reporters at the White House.
"I was thinking of jumping in there. I don't know where I'll be on Thursday. I have so many meetings, but I was actually thinking of flying there. "I guess there's a possibility of that if I think things can work out, but we have to get it done," Trump said.
Meanwhile, Zelensky said Russia was continuing its attacks on Ukraine. "The Russian shelling and attacks are continuing," the Ukrainian president said in his evening video address. "Moscow has been silent all day on the offer of a direct meeting. Very strange silence," he added.