President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a highly anticipated news conference in Kyiv on May 13, 2025. The event was attended by a group of journalists who were eager to hear the latest updates on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
During the conference, Zelenskyy made a strong and passionate appeal to US President Donald Trump to recognize the true nature of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his deceptive tactics. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Trump to understand that Putin cannot be trusted as a reliable partner in peace negotiations.
“Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies,” Zelenskyy stated, as reported by The Guardian. “And we should do our part. We should approach this issue sensibly and show that it’s not us who are slowing down the process.”
Zelenskyy had invited Putin to join him for peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, but there has been no response from the Russian president so far. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that a Russian delegation will be attending the talks, but the names of the attendees will only be revealed once Putin gives his instruction, according to Reuters.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Zelenskyy has made it clear that he will only attend the talks if Putin is present. He firmly believes that Putin’s absence would send a strong message to all parties involved.
“If Putin does not show up and plays games, it will be a clear indication that he does not want to end the war,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president has also made it clear that he has no interest in meeting with a Russian delegation that does not include Putin. He believes that only Putin has the power to commit to a ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump is currently in the Middle East and has expressed his willingness to fly to Turkey if he feels that the two sides are close to reaching an agreement. In a press conference on Wednesday, Trump stated that Putin “would like me to be there.”
“I don’t know if he would be there if I’m not there,” Trump added.
Zelenskyy believes that a commitment from Trump to join him in Turkey would likely incentivize Putin to attend the talks.
“The presence of the US can provide important guarantees in this situation,” Zelenskyy stated, according to The Guardian.
So far, Trump has only confirmed the attendance of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg are also expected to make the trip, as reported by Reuters.
In a recent interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, Kellogg expressed his optimism about the potential for a successful meeting between the three leaders.
“This could be an absolutely incredible meeting with them,” Kellogg said. “We can achieve peace, I truly believe, if all three leaders sit down and talk.”
However, not everyone shares this optimism. European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas has predicted that the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will not take place.
“I don’t think [Putin] dares, I guess,” Kallas stated.
Despite these doubts, Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his determination to bring an end to the conflict through peaceful negotiations. He believes that with the support of the US and the determination of all parties involved, a resolution can be achieved.
In a recent statement, Zelenskyy expressed his hope for a positive outcome in the talks.
“I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey,” Zelenskyy said.
The international community is closely watching the developments of this meeting, with many hoping for a breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. As the world holds its breath, all eyes are on the leaders involved to see if they can put aside their differences and work towards a peaceful resolution.
