Reports suggest a possible meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey. Peace researchers express cautious optimism, acknowledging the possibility of a historic summit.
The US and China are reportedly applying pressure for a resolution. US President Donald Trump had reportedly urged Zelensky to engage with Putin's offer of talks, and a meeting between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping may also have influenced Putin's decision.
Experts weigh the potential implications of a summit. Laurent Goetschel of Swisspeace notes that a refusal by Zelensky could weaken his position with the US, while accepting could force Putin to honor his own proposal. He highlights that meetings between warring parties are not unusual during ongoing conflicts. Furthermore, Putin faces potential pressure from the EU and US in the form of new sanctions.
Dan Smith of Sipri estimates a 50/50 chance of a meeting, considering it a breakthrough if successful in achieving a 30-day ceasefire and paving the way for further negotiations.
The Kremlin hasn't yet responded to Zelensky's announcement. The article also speculates on Trump's reaction should the talks fail, considering his campaign promise to achieve peace on his first day in office. Experts suggest potential consequences ranging from reduced US arms supplies to harsher US sanctions against Russia, depending on who causes a failure in the talks. European nations are also increasing pressure on Moscow, with calls for a ceasefire and potential further sanctions.