Zelensky Invites Trump to Join Peace Talks with Russia in Turkey

In a dramatic development ahead of this week’s anticipated peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally invited President Donald Trump to join negotiations with Russia in Turkey signaling the high-stakes nature of the summit and Trump’s growing influence on the world stage.

“It is important that President Trump fully supports the meeting, and we would like him to find an opportunity to come to Türkiye,” Zelensky posted on X, after confirming his own attendance and expressing frustration with Vladimir Putin’s refusal to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.

The talks, set to begin Thursday in Ankara, come at a tense moment. Putin rejected Ukraine’s latest ceasefire proposal over the weekend, instead offering to restart negotiations under the mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It was Trump who first urged Zelensky to accept the offer, insisting it was time to sit down and “determine whether or not a deal is possible.”

“Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible... and if not, we can proceed accordingly.”

Pressed Monday on whether he would attend in person, Trump said he’s seriously considering flying to Turkey, saying: “I don’t know where I’m going to be on Thursday I’ve got so many meetings. But I was actually thinking about flying over there. There’s a possibility if I think things can happen.”

This moment may define Trump’s second term foreign policy. After years of war and a lack of results under Biden, Trump has made clear he’s ready to end the bloodshed through strength, not appeasement.

Last week, Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire and warned both Russia and Ukraine that if progress isn’t made, the U.S. and its allies may impose tough sanctions on whichever party blocks peace. He also made it clear that Putin’s nostalgia tour for World War II “victory parades” won't distract him from reality:

“I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War II, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump has positioned himself not just as a dealmaker but as the only leader with the credibility and willpower to broker peace between two bitter enemies. Neither the EU nor Biden’s administration have made meaningful headway. But with Trump back in the spotlight, momentum is shifting.

The summit in Turkey could determine the future of the war. Trump’s presence or even his influence behind the scenes would add pressure on both Putin and Zelensky to make tangible progress. With Ukraine’s battlefield conditions deteriorating and Russia facing increasing isolation, both sides may be closer to a breakthrough than they’ve admitted.

The world is watching. So are millions of war-weary civilians across Eastern Europe. And once again, it’s Donald Trump not career diplomats or globalist institutions leading the charge toward peace.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for live updates on Trump’s push to end the war in Ukraine.