By OBSERVERS TIMES
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed optimism about the prospects of a ceasefire with Russia, ahead of planned direct peace talks in Istanbul this Thursday.
Speaking on Sunday, Zelenskyy said he would be waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, following Putin’s invitation for face-to-face negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire starting Monday, May 12, and stated that Kyiv is still awaiting a response from Moscow.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy described Russia’s willingness to consider ending the war as a “positive sign” that the world has long awaited. However, he emphasized that the first crucial step toward peace is a ceasefire.
“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”
He added: “Starting tomorrow, we await a ceasefire — this proposal is on the table. A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could significantly bring peace closer. Ukraine has long proposed this, our partners are proposing it, and the whole world is calling for it. We await a clear response from Russia.”
Zelenskyy warned that Russia must end the war and stop the killings. Ukrainian forces remain ready to respond “symmetrically” to ensure fairness. He also noted that international partners are prepared to strengthen sanctions if Putin rejects the ceasefire offer.
“We have absolutely no problem engaging in negotiations, we are ready for any format,” he said. “I will be in Türkiye this Thursday, May 15, and I expect Putin to come as well. Personally. And I hope that this time, Putin won’t be looking for excuses as to why he ‘can’t’ make it.”
The Ukrainian president concluded by highlighting broad international support for the talks, referencing backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
Meanwhile, President Putin has rejected the ceasefire proposal but agreed to resume direct talks on Thursday in Istanbul “without preconditions.” He suggested that a ceasefire might be agreed upon during the negotiations.
On Sunday, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine; he prefers to meet on Thursday in Turkey to negotiate a possible end to the bloodbath. Ukraine should agree to this immediately.”
Trump added, “At least they will be able to determine whether a deal is possible. If not, European leaders and the U.S. will know where things stand and can proceed accordingly!”
