Ceasefire Discussions Between Ukraine and Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia on Sunday to confirm an unconditional ceasefire set to begin on May 12, expressing Ukraine’s openness to direct talks with Moscow.

On Saturday, Zelensky garnered support from significant European nations and U.S. President Donald Trump for a 30-day ceasefire that kicks off on Monday. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Kyiv, scheduled to start in Turkey on Thursday.

“It’s encouraging that the Russians seem to be reconsidering their stance on the war… the initial step towards truly ending this conflict is a ceasefire,” Zelensky remarked on X.

“Continuing to kill, even for one more day, is pointless. Russia aims to confirm a complete, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, on May 12, and we are prepared to meet for that,” he added.

Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, stated on Telegram that a ceasefire is essential first.

He emphasized that Russia should not mask its intentions to keep fighting with ambiguous language.

This viewpoint was echoed by other Ukrainian officials.

Andriy Kovalenko, a member of the Ukraine National Security and Defense Council, shared similar sentiments on Telegram Messenger.