Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded cautiously on Sunday to Russia’s proposal for direct talks, deeming it a “positive sign” while insisting that President Vladimir Putin must first agree to an immediate ceasefire. Zelensky’s remarks followed Putin’s rejection of a ceasefire, instead suggesting that representatives from both nations convene for discussions in Istanbul on May 15. Though Zelensky did not directly address the details of the proposal, he expressed hope that Russia would confirm a ceasefire set to begin Monday.
This exchange comes on the heels of a significant visit to Kyiv by leaders from France, Britain, Germany, and Poland, who declared a Monday deadline for Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire or face further sanctions. In a Saturday phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump from Kyiv, the European leaders noted that the United States would also impose sanctions on Russia if Putin fails to agree to a truce.
Although the Trump administration has sought diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict over the last three months, it has maintained existing economic sanctions without intensifying pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine had previously accepted an American proposal for an unconditional ceasefire in March.
In a late-night news conference on Saturday, Putin responded to the European leaders’ deadline by calling for direct talks with Ukraine to commence in Istanbul, although he did not accept the ceasefire proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that any ceasefire agreement would be contingent upon Western nations halting arms supplies to Ukraine.
Trump commented on the ongoing diplomatic efforts via social media, labeling the day as “potentially great for Russia and Ukraine!” He did not clarify how he interpreted Putin’s response or whether it might lead to new U.S. sanctions. “Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never-ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end,” Trump wrote. “It will be a whole new, and much better, WORLD. I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens.”
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Russia’s response as insufficient, stating that it was “a first step but not enough” and suggesting that Putin was stalling for time with his counteroffer of direct talks. The visiting European leaders were unanimous in their stance that only an unconditional ceasefire could allow Moscow to avoid additional sanctions.
Last week, the Kremlin announced a unilateral three-day truce coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine’s military reported that while long-range strikes had decreased during this period, combat operations continued unabated along the front lines.
As tension escalated once again, Russia resumed long-range drone attacks on Ukraine late Sunday night. The Ukrainian air force reported that 108 Iranian-designed Shahed drones were launched from midnight until mid-morning, triggering air raid alarms across multiple cities.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains precarious, with both sides appearing entrenched in their positions. The international community watches closely, urging both Ukraine and Russia towards a path of peace amid rising hostilities.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/11/world/europe/ukraine-russia-ceasefire-talks-putin-zelensky.html
Category : Ukraine,Russia,Russian Invasion of Ukraine (2022),Putin, Vladimir V,Trump, Donald J,Zelensky, Volodymyr,Macron, Emmanuel (1977- ),Europe
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Publish Date: 2025-05-11 16:16:00
