Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that he's ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face in Istanbul on Thursday to negotiate ending the war.

President Trump had encouraged Ukraine to accept Putin's offer of direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey.

"There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally," Zelensky wrote on social media.

"We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire - complete, lasting and credible - starting tomorrow, 12 May, and Ukraine is ready to meet," he also said.

Trump called the development a "potentially great day" for Russia and Ukraine.