Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally invited President Donald Trump to join high-stakes peace talks with Russia in Istanbul this week, in a move that underscores Trump’s growing role on the global stage as a power broker capable of delivering results.
The talks, set to take place Thursday, are aimed at finally bringing an end to the bloody conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Zelensky has confirmed his attendance, the Kremlin has not yet confirmed whether Vladimir Putin will participate—though Russian officials have signaled a willingness to engage, minus any preconditions.
Zelensky made clear that Trump’s presence would bring much-needed weight and urgency to the negotiations. “If President Trump can be there, it could change the course of the conversation,” a Ukrainian official stated. Trump, currently touring the Middle East on a major diplomatic mission, said he is seriously considering attending.
“I was thinking about flying over there,” Trump told reporters. “There’s a possibility if I think things can happen. But we’ve got to get it done. This war has gone on long enough.”
Ukraine has always supported diplomacy. I am ready to come to Türkiye. Unfortunately, the world still has not received a clear response from Russia to the numerous proposals for a ceasefire.
Russian shelling and assaults continue. Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the… pic.twitter.com/4AGiLX5Sdf
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) May 12, 2025
Trump’s potential involvement marks a dramatic shift from the failed diplomatic efforts of the Biden years, during which the conflict escalated and peace remained elusive. In contrast, Trump’s record on the world stage—most notably securing historic peace deals in the Middle East—has given both sides reason to believe progress is possible.
European leaders have voiced cautious optimism. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently met with Zelensky in Kyiv, reiterated Europe’s desire for a diplomatic solution and warned Russia that further sanctions are on the table if talks collapse.
The world is watching closely. If President Trump chooses to join the table in Turkey, it could be a turning point—not just in the Russia-Ukraine war, but in restoring American leadership on the world stage.
This invitation reflects what many already know: President Trump remains one of the few global figures with the leverage, credibility, and willpower to bring adversaries to the negotiating table and put peace within reach.