Zelensky reacts to Putin’s peace discussions suggestion
(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer for direct peace talks by reiterating his demand that any negotiations must begin with a full ceasefire. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine expects Russia to commit to a “lasting and reliable” ceasefire starting on May 12 before proceeding with talks. He believes this is a critical first step in ending the war, noting that the international community has long awaited such a move.
On Sunday, Putin proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye, and suggested there would be no preconditions for the talks. He expressed hope that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would help facilitate the meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the proposal as a serious attempt to achieve lasting peace through meaningful dialogue.
However, Zelensky countered Putin’s offer by stating on Telegram that while it was a positive sign that Russia seemed to be considering peace, the priority must be a ceasefire. Zelensky’s office chief, Andrey Yermak, supported this view, emphasizing that a 30-day ceasefire must come first, followed by the other elements of a peace settlement.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Ukraine’s response, suggesting that the Ukrainian leadership had misunderstood Putin’s proposal, which called for negotiations about the conflict’s root causes first, followed by discussions on a ceasefire. She stressed that Putin’s stance was clear, noting the international support for Russia’s position.
Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and the EU have also proposed a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, aiming to create space for diplomatic efforts. The US has expressed support for this initiative. According to Peskov, while Putin is open to the idea of a ceasefire, Russia has significant concerns, including the potential for Ukraine to regroup during a pause in the fighting and the necessity of halting Western arms shipments to Ukraine during that period.
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