Ukrainian President calls for ceasefire before any peace talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Russia on Sunday to confirm an unconditional ceasefire beginning on May 12, saying Ukraine would then be ready to meet for talks proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to be held on Thursday in Turkey.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks that he said should be aimed at bringing a durable peace, a day after European powers, backed by the United States, demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Moscow or face “massive” new sanctions.

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war … And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire,” Zelenskiy said on X.

“We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker and has repeatedly promised to end the war, said a great day was dawning for Russia and Ukraine if the “bloodbath” of the war could be ended.

“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” Trump said on Truth Social. “Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end.”

“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said on Telegram that first there had to be a ceasefire, “then everything else”.

“Russia should not disguise its desire to continue the war with vague statements.”