OREANDA-NEWS Vladimir Zelensky proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a meeting in Istanbul, seeking to enlist the support of American leader Donald Trump, as suggested by military analyst Anatole Lieven in an article for the publication Responsible Statecraft.

It is very rare for real progress in peace talks to be achieved in meetings between the leaders themselves, and the Russians have some reason to consider this a maneuver or trick by Zelensky to gain Trump's favor, rather than a serious proposal.

Lieven emphasized that three months ago, official Kiev categorically refused to discuss the possibility of dialogue with the Russian leadership, demanding the preliminary demilitarization of the annexed regions.

At the same time, the expert stressed that the offensive operations of the Russian army remain a strategic advantage for Moscow in the negotiation process, from which it will not retreat until a comprehensive agreement is reached.

Last week, Putin took the initiative to return to direct negotiations without prior demands. The Russian leader admitted the possibility of achieving a long-term truce, provided that it is strictly implemented by the Ukrainian side.

Vladimir Zelensky made counterclaims: according to his statement, Kiev will resume dialogue only on condition of a final cessation of hostilities from May 12, 2025. However, after Donald Trump's call for the Ukrainian leadership to immediately accept Russian conditions, Zelensky announced his readiness to meet with the Russian president in Turkey on Thursday, May 15.