Zelensky and Four European Leaders Hold Joint Call with Trump After Istanbul Talks Stall

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of France, Germany, the U.K., and Poland held a joint phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 16, just hours after the latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough.

Zelensky shared a photo on social media showing him alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as they made the call from the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania.

The leaders’ conversation came shortly after the Istanbul negotiations concluded with limited progress, producing only a prisoner exchange agreement—each side committed to releasing 1,000 detainees, the largest swap since the war began more than three years ago.

“We discussed the outcome of the Istanbul meeting,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram. “Ukraine is ready to take the fastest possible steps toward real peace—but it’s essential that the international community holds firm.” He reiterated Kyiv’s position: if Moscow refuses an unconditional and total ceasefire, the world must respond with harsher sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors.

“Pressure on Russia must continue until it is truly ready to end this war,” Zelensky added.

Poland’s Donald Tusk echoed the call, saying Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire during the Istanbul talks has effectively shut the door on diplomacy—making it critical for Western allies to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the European leaders first held a private discussion with Zelensky before all five joined the call with Trump. He said the focus of the conversation was Western unity in backing Ukraine and rejecting Russia’s “unacceptable” stance.

“Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire is yet another sign that President Putin is not serious about peace,” Starmer said. “Putin is trying to run out the clock. That’s why unity among allies is more important than ever. Ukraine has shown its good faith—they are genuinely committed to ending the fighting.”

The Istanbul talks, held at Dolmabahce Palace, lasted around 90 minutes. Russia’s lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky claimed Moscow was pleased with the outcome and open to further discussions. He said both sides had agreed to begin drafting the framework for a ceasefire and confirmed the upcoming 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.

However, Ukrainian officials expressed frustration, telling reporters that deep disagreements remained. According to sources speaking to AFP, Russia had introduced new demands viewed as unrealistic and far removed from previous discussions.

One Ukrainian delegation source said the team planned to leave Istanbul by the end of the day.

(Sources: AFP, Kyiv Independent, PA)

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