US President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly called on Ukraine to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, suggesting the meeting could serve as a vital step toward ending the war. The talks, however, are set to take place without any pre-agreed ceasefire, a condition that has already triggered contrasting responses from global leaders.

"President Putin of Russia doesn't want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The appeal followed Putin's rare televised address, in which he proposed a new round of "direct" talks and stressed the need for serious negotiations, warning that any ceasefire used to rearm Ukrainian forces would only prolong the conflict. "This would be the first step towards a long-term, lasting peace, rather than a prologue to more armed hostilities after the Ukrainian armed forces get new armaments and personnel… Who needs peace like that?" he said.

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Trump argued that the Istanbul meeting could serve to clarify the viability of a deal and help all parties adjust their positions accordingly. "European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly," he added.

Ukraine, however, has maintained a different stance. President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that negotiations cannot proceed unless Russia first commits to the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kiev and backed by a coalition of European leaders. "Only then will Kiev sit down at the negotiating table," Zelensky said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine and its allies are ready to implement the ceasefire starting May 12, provided international monitors are in place and Moscow agrees.

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Trump, expressing frustration with the impasse, questioned Kiev's commitment to diplomacy. "I'm starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who's too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll… HAVE THE DEAL, NOW!!!"

As the May 15 summit draws nearer, Turkey has affirmed its readiness to host the negotiations. President Erdogan has launched a series of diplomatic phone calls with Western leaders to help safeguard the initiative from disruption. Turkish officials emphasized that "a window of opportunity has opened for peace," but warned that sustained efforts from all sides would be essential.