Tomorrow, Putin, Zelensky, and Trump are expected to meet in Istanbul; if this happens, it could end the massacre in Ukraine. Zelensky is confirmed to attend, Trump wants to go too, but what about Putin?
Statement Battle
The meeting scheduled for May 15 in Turkey has become quite interesting. We have witnessed a real battle of statements surrounding this meeting. So, how did it start: initially, it was said that Vladimir Putin would make a statement at midnight on May 10. Russian propaganda claimed that "Putin's appearance would blow up prime time in America." You know, Putin loves to make appearances when everyone in America is watching television.
In short, at midnight, foreign and local journalists waited for Putin's appearance at the Kremlin. They said it would be a press conference, but Peskov stated that no one would ask Putin questions, only that he would speak. Then Putin came out and proposed to hold direct negotiations in Turkey on May 15 regarding Ukraine.
Thus, Putin took the first step. Shortly after, Donald Trump picked up his phone and began to engage through a post on the Truth social network. "I demand that Ukraine accept Russia's proposal for a direct meeting," Trump said. This was the first time the US president openly pressured Kyiv after signing a strategic agreement on rare metals. Then it was Zelensky's turn.
"I only wait for Putin"
The final point in the battle of statements was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In Russian, this was a real "dirty point." "I am waiting for Putin in Istanbul on Thursday. We'll see what excuse Russia comes up with this time," Zelensky said. This was a very strong statement. Zelensky openly invited Putin for a one-on-one meeting.
Later, the Ukrainian president made several statements, putting pressure on Putin. "Putin is afraid to talk to me one-on-one," he specifically said. Personally, I have only heard someone say to Putin that he is afraid of me from Alexey Navalny. As for state leaders, even American presidents have not dared to say such things to Putin.
Trump will go too, if...
In the battle of statements, Trump participated once again. He wrote a post about considering going to Istanbul. Later, Trump's special representative for Ukraine, Kit Kellog, said that if Russian President Putin also goes, Trump will fly to Istanbul.
Now, the Russian president has no choice but to go to Turkey and meet Zelensky one-on-one. If he doesn't go, it will be a significant minus for Putin. If Putin does not go to Istanbul, Trump may join forces with the European Union to impose the terrible sanctions he promised on Russia.
Let me say, if indeed Putin, Trump, and Zelensky meet in Istanbul hosted by Erdogan, there could be serious changes in the world. What do you think, will Putin go to Istanbul?
Prepared by O'tkir Jalolxonov.
