Zelensky, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, held a high-level phone call with Donald Trump on May 16.
The emergency dialogue came as Russia refused a ceasefire and demanded full Ukrainian withdrawal from key regions it doesn't entirely control — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
While Ukraine, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, pushed for genuine negotiations, Putin declined direct talks and sent aide Vladimir Medinsky instead.
The only breakthrough: a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner of war swap.
#ZelenskyVsPutin #IstanbulTalks #PutinAfraid #UkraineWar #PeaceTalksFail #ZelenskyStatement #RussiaUkraineCrisis #PutinNoShow #EUUnited #TrumpCall #CeasefireNow #UkraineStandsStrong #ShamDelegation #PressureOnRussia #DiplomacyDeadlock Also Read Putin Declares 'Easter Truce' In Russia-Ukraine War Amid US Proposal, Ceasefire To Stay Till Sunday Midnight :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/putin-declares-easter-truce-in-russia-ukraine-war-amid-us-proposal-to-stay-untill-sunday-midnight-4128473.html?ref=DMDesc US Will Drop Ukraine-Russia Peace Efforts If No Progress Within Days: Marco Rubio :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/us-will-drop-ukraine-russia-peace-efforts-if-no-progress-within-days-marco-rubio-4127371.html?ref=DMDesc Russian Drone Strike Hits Indian Pharma Warehouse In Kyiv, Ukraine Accuses Moscow Of ‘Deliberate Targeting’ :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/russian-drone-strike-hits-indian-pharma-warehouse-in-kyiv-ukraine-accuses-moscow-of-deliberate-tar-4122569.html?ref=DMDesc ~HT.410~PR.152~ED.420~GR.124~