Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him after Trump demands Ukraine-Russia talks2 days ago Share Save Alex Kleiderman BBC News Share SaveEPAUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "personally" in Istanbul on Thursday for talks over ending the war. His post on X came shortly after Donald Trump demanded Ukraine agree to Putin's offer of direct talks between the two countries in Turkey. In his post, Zelensky said he hoped Russia would agree to the ceasefire before the talks. "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy," he said. EPA Vladimir Putin said the proposed talks on Thursday would be "the first step towards a long-term, lasting peace"