Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin for direct talks in Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he will be “waiting for” for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Turkey to engage in direct talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ukraine, which has reported fresh attacks from Russia after a three-day ceasefire ended over the weekend, will be expecting “a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” Zelensky wrote on X.

His post comes after Putin had earlier said he was open to holding negotiations in Turkey, starting as early as Thursday, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, which has lasted more than three years.

“I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses,” Zelensky wrote.