Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky demands Putin agree to full ceasefire – but welcomes his call for talks
Russian president Vladimir Putin has rebuffed European demands for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and proposed direct talks with Ukraine on 15 May instead.
Mr Putin said Russia was seeking “serious negotiations” aimed at “moving towards a lasting, strong peace”. Leaders from France, the UK, Ukraine, Germany and Poland called yesterday for a 30-day ceasefire to start on Monday and threatened sanctions if Russia did not agree.
Responding to Mr Putin on Sunday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said this was a “positive sign” but continued: “The very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire”.
US president Donald Trump said Mr Putin’s announcement could be a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine”, adding: “Think of the hundreds and thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end”.
Mr Putin proposed that the talks be “without preconditions” in Istanbul. Russia also launched drone attacks on Kyiv, the city’s mayor said, just hours after Mr Putin proposed the talks.
