Zelensky's Call for a Meeting with Putin in Turkey Gains Widespread International Media Attention
Zelensky's Call for a Meeting with Putin in Turkey Gains Widespread International Media Attention
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement regarding the potential to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, with the goal of ending the war, has garnered widespread attention in global media.
The world’s press reported Zelensky's historic call with various headlines and breaking news, emphasizing the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders in Turkey, aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has now entered its third year.
United States
Axios news platform reported with the headline "Zelensky heads to Turkey for potential talks," quoting a Ukrainian official who said:
"A Ukrainian official said that even if Russia does not agree to ceasefire by Monday, Zelensky will be in Turkey on Thursday."
The New York Times mentioned, "Zelensky did not directly address these details, but in a post on his social media, he said he expected Russia to confirm a 'ceasefire' starting Monday."
United Kingdom
BBC covered the possible summit with the headline, "(Zelensky) said he is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin 'personally' in Istanbul on Thursday."
The Independent, in its report, used the headline: "Ukrainian President Zelensky says he will wait for Putin in Istanbul for direct peace talks."
The Sunday Times also noted Zelensky’s call to Putin for a meeting in Istanbul, stating: "Ukrainian President Zelensky agreed to participate in potential peace talks in Turkey, which would mark the first direct meeting between the two countries since 2022."
India
New Delhi TV (NDTV) covered the summit with the quote from Zelensky's post on X, saying: "On Thursday, I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey."
The India-based news platform "abplive" headlined: "Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin in Istanbul next week."
Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent’s headline read: "Zelensky calls for urgent ceasefire and says he is ready to meet Putin in Turkey."
In a report by Ukrinform, it was stated, "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is waiting for Russia to implement a ceasefire and that he will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on May 15."
Asia
The Straits Times reported, "Zelensky said he would meet with Putin after Trump’s statement on not waiting for a ceasefire."
Iran Front Page Media Group, based in Tehran, used the headline: "Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin in Turkey on Thursday."
The Moscow Times reported with the headline: "Trump urges Ukraine to accept talks with Russia," quoting Zelensky’s post on X: "On Thursday, I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey."
Africa and Gulf Countries
Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported: "Zelensky, hopeful for a ceasefire, said he would meet Putin 'personally' in Turkey," adding that "the Ukrainian leader insists that a full and temporary ceasefire must be achieved before any direct talks with Russia."
The English-language Qatar newspaper, The Peninsula, headlined: "Zelensky offers to meet Putin 'personally' in Turkey."
South African News24’s headline on the potential Istanbul meeting stated: "Zelensky said he would meet Putin after Trump’s remarks on not waiting for a ceasefire."
Putin Suggested Continuing Talks in Istanbul on May 15
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a press conference in Moscow, stressed that Ukrainian officials had suggested resuming talks that had been interrupted at the end of 2022. He stated:
"On May 15, Thursday, we propose restarting direct talks in Istanbul, where discussions were previously suspended, without delay and unconditionally."
Zelensky reminded on his X account that they had offered Russia a full and lasting ceasefire starting the next day and said, "We expect a full and lasting ceasefire to create the necessary ground for diplomacy."
Zelensky further confirmed, "I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday, personally. I hope this time the Russians won't make excuses."