Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has expressed his readiness to engage in peace talks with Russia. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested negotiations could take place, provided there is an unconditional ceasefire starting on Monday. Zelenskyy welcomed the proposal but emphasized that a ceasefire must happen before any discussions can begin.
Putin made his proposal for peace talks during a meeting in Istanbul, which he announced on Thursday. This was in response to pressure from European leaders, including UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, who threatened new sanctions against Russia if it did not comply with a 30-day ceasefire. The ceasefire is intended to create a more stable environment for dialogue.
In a statement, Zelenskyy noted that it is a positive sign that Russia is considering ending the war. He stated, "The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. The first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire." He called for Russia to confirm a ceasefire that is full, lasting, and reliable, starting May 12.
Zelenskyy’s remarks were echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the situation as a potentially great day for both nations. He expressed his willingness to work with both sides to facilitate the peace process.
The Kremlin has voiced support for the talks, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that negotiations are necessary to establish a ceasefire. He dismissed claims that the proposal was merely a delaying tactic.
Internationally, there is cautious optimism about the talks. Security analyst Michael Clarke highlighted that while discussions are set to take place, there is a long way to go, and the outcome remains uncertain. He warned that negotiations could prolong without yielding a ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, suggesting that while negotiations are a step forward, they are not enough without a clear commitment to a ceasefire. He pointed out that an unconditional ceasefire should not depend on negotiations.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether Russia will confirm the ceasefire and how both countries will approach the upcoming talks in Istanbul. The world watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.