President Donald Trump is demanding that Ukrainian officials “immediately” agree to meet with their counterparts from Russia to negotiate a possible end to the “bloodbath” war waged on the country by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump says the Russian leader doesn’t want a ceasefire but instead proposed a meeting on Thursday in Turkey.
In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote: “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.”
He continued: “Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!
Trump added: “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
It is unclear whether such a meeting, were it to take place, would include the Russian leader.
Shortly after the president’s post went live, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would go to Turkey.
He wrote on X: “We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
This is a developing story, more follows…
