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**Summary:**

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging U.S. President Trump to help facilitate a meeting between him and Russian President Putin in Turkiye. Zelenskyy believes Putin is not serious about ending the war and is calling for massive sanctions if Putin refuses to attend. The potential meeting, the first direct negotiations since early 2022, is seen as crucial for a possible ceasefire. While the Kremlin remains noncommittal, Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for direct talks with Putin. The international community is divided, with some urging a ceasefire and threatening new sanctions if Russia fails to engage meaningfully.

**News Article:**

**Zelenskyy Calls on Trump to Broker Putin Meeting Amid Sanctions Threat**

**Kyiv, Ukraine -** In a desperate plea for peace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and secure a meeting between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkiye as early as Thursday. Zelenskyy, speaking from Kyiv on Tuesday, accused Putin of lacking genuine interest in ending the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy stated that if Putin declines to attend the proposed meeting, the West should impose severe sanctions, signaling a clear indication of Russia’s unwillingness to pursue peace. He vowed to do “everything” possible to make the meeting a reality and achieve a ceasefire.

While the Kremlin remains silent on Putin’s potential attendance, the proposal follows calls from Kyiv and European nations for a 30-day ceasefire. Trump himself hinted at considering attending the talks, stating he was “thinking” about it. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is slated to be part of the US delegation in Istanbul.

The proposed meeting, which would be the first direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine since the invasion began in early 2022, is seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the situation. However, skepticism remains high. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas questioned Putin’s “nerve” to participate.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to state maximalist aims and is bombing eastern portions of Ukraine. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Erdogan on Wednesday or Thursday, positioning Turkiye as a potential neutral ground for dialogue. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have warned of further sanctions should Russia fail to show “real progress” towards peace. The pressure is on Putin to engage, but the path to a resolution remains uncertain.

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