Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is pushing for a face-to-face meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin. He wants to talk peace in Istanbul. But there's a catch. Putin hasn't said yes yet. Zelenskyy is clear about what he wants. He wants Putin to show up. He thinks it's the only way to prove that Putin is serious about ending the war. If Putin doesn't come, Zelenskyy says it's a clear sign that Putin doesn't want peace.

Zelenskyy is not alone in this. He's got the support of the U. S. President, Donald Trump. Trump has hinted that he might join the talks if he thinks it could help. But so far, he's only sent his team. This includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. Kellogg has even said that Trump might join if Putin shows up. But it's all up in the air.

Meanwhile, the European Union's Kaja Kallas doesn't think the meeting will happen. She's not optimistic. But Zelenskyy is. He's waiting for Putin. He's waiting for a chance to talk peace. But he's also clear about what he wants. He wants Putin to commit to a ceasefire. He wants Putin to show that he's serious about ending the war.

Zelenskyy is also trying to convince Trump that Putin can't be trusted. He thinks it's important for Trump to see that Putin is not a reliable partner. But he also knows that the U. S. being there could help. It could give important guarantees. It could show that the world is watching. It could show that the world wants peace.

So, the stage is set for a potential peace talk in Istanbul. But will it happen? Will Putin show up? Will Trump join? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear. Zelenskyy is ready. He's ready to talk peace. He's ready to end the war. He's ready to show the world that he's serious about it.

Ukraine's President Pushes for Peace Talks

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