Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would welcome President Trump to show up to the peace talks Thursday between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey.
Mr. Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine has supported Mr. Trump’s ideas for a “full and unconditional ceasefire [and] the idea of direct talks” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier Monday, Mr. Trump said he thinks “good things can come out of that meeting.”
Mr. Trump said he would join the face-to-face ceasefire negotiations “if I thought it would be helpful.”
“I don’t know where I’m going to be at that particular point. I’ll be someplace in the Middle East, but I would fly there if I thought it would be helpful,” he said Monday at the White House.
Mr. Zelenskyy said Mr. Trump’s statement was “very important words.”
SEE ALSO: Trump ready to join Putin-Zelenskyy talks in Turkey
“And of course, all of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkiye. This is the right idea. We can change a lot. President @RTErdogen can indeed host highest-level meeting,” he wrote on social media. “Thank you to everyone who is helping.”
Russia over the weekend rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and pushed instead for direct talks.
Mr. Trump urged Mr. Zelenskyy to attend those talks.
“At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!” he wrote on social media. “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War II, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
The Ukrainian president said he will “be waiting” for Mr. Putin in Turkey. A meeting is scheduled to take place in Istanbul.
