(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)

On Monday, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump is receptive to an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to engage in peace discussions in Istanbul with Vladimir Putin of Russia and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. During a press briefing, US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, "The president has indicated his openness to this possibility if it materializes, but he wants all parties involved, including both leaders, to come together at the negotiation table." Earlier in the day, Erdogan expressed his intention to arrange a meeting that includes US, Russian, and Ukrainian leaders aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, following several unsuccessful talks.

Erdogan stated, “My utmost desire is to unite both Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy in Istanbul or Ankara, and potentially involve Mr. Trump in the discussions, should they be agreeable.” He also mentioned Turkey’s commitment to facilitating such a gathering. His comments coincided with the arrival of Ukrainian and Russian representatives for a second round of discussions in Istanbul on the same day, where they reached an agreement on a significant prisoner exchange but did not finalize terms for an immediate ceasefire.

Recently, Trump has voiced his irritation regarding the sluggish progress of ceasefire discussions, particularly due to Russia’s refusal to engage in an unconditional truce and the continued aggressive military actions from both sides. The US president has even threatened to withdraw from ceasefire negotiations if a resolution is not achieved.

Encouraged by Trump, Moscow and Kyiv initiated direct talks for the first time since the invasion began, although they have only managed to advance on prisoner exchanges and have yet to establish a pathway for a more comprehensive agreement.

Moscow has put forth extensive demands, including requests for Ukraine to relinquish territories still under its control, a prohibition on Ukraine joining NATO, restrictions on its military capabilities, and a cessation of Western military support. Zelenskyy has dismissed these demands, with Kyiv and its Western allies portraying Russia's actions as an imperialistic land grab. Since the onset of the invasion, tens of thousands have lost their lives, large areas in eastern and southern Ukraine have been devastated, and millions have been displaced in what has become Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.