Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed Russia’s offer for direct peace talks but emphasized that a full, temporary ceasefire must precede any negotiations. In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy described the Russian overture as a “positive sign” but insisted that “the very first step” toward ending the conflict is a ceasefire. He called for a “full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow,” and expressed readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday, May 15, 2025 .
President Zelenskyy’s position aligns with the stance of major Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who have supported a 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace talks. Trump expressed optimism about the potential for negotiations, stating, “I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens. The USA wants to focus, instead, on Rebuilding and Trade.” However, skepticism remains regarding Russia’s commitment to a genuine ceasefire .
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks in Istanbul without preconditions, suggesting that a ceasefire could be discussed during the negotiations. The Kremlin has characterized this proposal as a serious step toward resolving the conflict .
The international community remains divided on the issue, with some advocating for immediate ceasefire agreements, while others caution against entering negotiations without concrete guarantees. As the situation develops, the focus remains on achieving a sustainable and verifiable cessation of hostilities to pave the way for meaningful peace talks.
Volodymyr Zelensky Picture on Wikimedia by President of Ukraine Office CC-BY-4.0
