Kiev, May 12: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism regarding Russia’s recent proposal for direct peace talks, emphasizing that a full and temporary ceasefire must precede any negotiations. In a statement on Sunday, May 11, Zelenskyy described Russia’s overture as a “positive sign” but stressed the necessity of halting hostilities before engaging in dialogue.“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy,” Zelenskyy stated. “There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed initiating direct talks in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions, suggesting that a ceasefire could be discussed during the negotiations. However, Zelenskyy and Western allies maintain that a ceasefire must be established before talks commence.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to accept Putin’s proposal for immediate talks, even without a ceasefire in place. In a social media post, Trump emphasized the urgency of negotiations to end the conflict.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, viewing the proposal as potentially a stalling tactic. Macron stated, “An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,” highlighting concerns over the sincerity of Russia’s offer.
As the situation develops, Turkey has agreed to host the proposed talks, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan calling it a potential turning point in ending the conflict.
The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.