As the Russo-Ukrainian war drags into its fourth year, a possible meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin in Istanbul could reshape the dynamics. For the first time in months, Kyiv is open to the idea of direct talks. Zelensky announced this Sunday, May 11, that he would await Putin on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul. However, Ukraine sets a firm condition: no exchanges will take place without a total ceasefire, which is demanded from this Monday. This is a significant requirement in a conflict where every diplomatic gesture is closely scrutinized.