Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope for a ceasefire with Russia, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer for direct peace talks in Turkey on May 15.
Zelensky, in a statement on May 11, reiterated Ukraine’s demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire before negotiations begin. He emphasized that a full and reliable truce must be established as a foundation for diplomacy.
“We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. 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,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Putin, in a late-night televised address, proposed direct negotiations without preconditions, presenting it as an “olive branch” to Kyiv. However, he did not confirm whether he would attend the talks in person. The Kremlin has also rejected the 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Ukraine and its European allies, stating that a truce should be negotiated during the discussions rather than before them.
The diplomatic push comes amid renewed pressure from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who met with Zelensky in Kyiv on May 10. They collectively urged Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire, warning of tougher sanctions if Putin refuses.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to accept Putin’s offer immediately, stating that direct talks would help determine whether a peace deal is possible.
With tensions still high, the world watches closely as Ukraine and Russia navigate the delicate path toward diplomacy, balancing military realities with political negotiations.
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