A potential high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin is set for Istanbul on May 15th. This unexpected development comes after months of conflict with no progress towards a peaceful resolution. However, before a summit takes place, Ukraine has made a crucial demand: an immediate ceasefire agreement. This move marks a significant shift in Kiev’s diplomatic strategy, which had previously resisted any dialogue without concrete preconditions. The Ukrainian president explicitly stated his intention to meet Putin on May 15th in Istanbul but contingent upon Russia committing to a full and immediate ceasefire beginning on Monday, May 12th. If this demand is not met, the meeting could be jeopardized. This diplomatic gamble by Zelensky puts pressure on Moscow to act decisively.