Türkiye Proposes Peace Summit with Putin, Zelensky, and Trump Amid War Talks

Türkiye has once again taken center stage in diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pushes for a high-level summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Donald Trump.

Following a second round of prisoner exchange talks in Istanbul, which included direct discussions between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in mid-May, both sides agreed to another large-scale prisoner swap. This came after their first face-to-face talks earlier in the month, also held in Türkiye.

Erdoğan’s Peace Summit Proposal

President Erdoğan proposed that a third round of negotiations be held this month in either Istanbul or Ankara, stating:

“If the leaders come to Türkiye, I will meet with them as well so that we can turn Istanbul into a center of peace.”

He reiterated Türkiye’s long-standing position against war and oppression, emphasizing that from the very first day of the war, Türkiye had called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.

Mixed Signals from Leaders

While Zelensky signaled readiness to attend a summit, highlighting that only leaders can resolve the major issues, Putin has so far refused to participate.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly eager for a quick resolution to the conflict, has shown openness to joining a three-way peace summit.

“Trump is open to a summit if it comes to that, but he wants both sides to come to the table together,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

Despite Trump’s apparent interest, the U.S. did not send a delegate to the latest talks in Istanbul, according to the U.S. State Department.

Ceasefire Standoff: Ukraine vs. Russia

In Monday’s meeting, Ukraine called for an unconditional ceasefire, but Russia rejected the offer, proposing instead a temporary truce lasting 2 to 3 days in select frontline regions.

According to Russian state media, Moscow is demanding a full Ukrainian troop withdrawal from four partially occupied regions — Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson — before agreeing to any permanent ceasefire.

Additionally, the Kremlin’s terms include:

• A permanent ban on Ukraine joining NATO

• Demilitarization of Ukraine

• A halt to Western military aid

Ukraine Urges U.S. to Step Up Sanctions

President Zelensky, expressing frustration, urged the United States to impose stricter sanctions on Russia to apply pressure for a full ceasefire.

“We are very much awaiting strong steps from the United States,” Zelensky said, stressing the need for tangible action.

As tensions escalate and talks stall, Türkiye’s diplomatic initiative remains one of the few active peace channels, offering a potential forum for direct negotiations between all major stakeholders. Whether this proposed summit becomes a turning point or another missed opportunity hinges on the willingness of the leaders to compromise.