Zelenskyy challenges Putin to meet face-to-face in Istanbul, as diplomacy whirls amid war and rhetoric.

Ceasefire on the Line

Hey Small Biters,

During the weekend, a new twist emerged in the Ukraine conflict, one that saw both a high-stakes gamble and a renewed sense of urgency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a bold move: challenging Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face in Istanbul on Thursday for direct peace talks. His offer came shortly after Putin rejected calls from Ukraine and European allies for a 30-day ceasefire. Instead, the Russian president proposed negotiations in Turkey but offered no pause in hostilities.

---

Zelenskyy, in a surprise address, stated: "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow... I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally." The offer was both defiant and diplomatic, turning Putin’s refusal into a test of good faith.