President Zelensky urges Russia to agree to a full ceasefire starting May 12, as Putin proposes Ukraine Russia ceasefire talks in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions.
Ukraine Russia Ceasefire Talks Proposed as Putin Calls for Direct Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct Ukraine Russia ceasefire talks in Istanbul on May 15, urging the Kremlin to agree to a “full, lasting and reliable” ceasefire starting May 12.
Zelensky: “No Point in Continuing the Killing”
Taking to social media on Sunday, Zelensky expressed hope that Moscow was finally considering an end to the three-year war.
“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day,” Zelensky wrote. “We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”
He added:
“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”
Putin Invites Kyiv to Talks in Istanbul Without Preconditions
Earlier on Sunday, Putin addressed the media from the Kremlin, proposing unconditional direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, aiming to reach what he called a “long-term, sustainable peace”.
“We propose that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said. “We are ready to begin on Thursday, in Istanbul.”
The Russian president insisted the talks should address the root causes of the conflict, not merely result in a temporary pause for rearmament.
West Pressures Russia for Unconditional Ceasefire
Putin’s remarks came just hours after a joint visit by European leaders to Kyiv, where they demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or threatened new sanctions.
French President Emmanuel Macron, returning from Ukraine via Poland, said Putin’s proposal was “a first step, but not enough.”
“An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations,” Macron told reporters. “Putin is looking for a way out but still wants to buy time.”
Macron reiterated his call for talks to follow—not precede—a ceasefire.
Drone Strikes Undermine Ceasefire Prospects
Despite Putin’s statements, Ukrainian officials reported new Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and other regions on Sunday. No casualties were confirmed at the time of reporting.
Both sides have blamed each other for violating previous temporary truces, including the May 8–10 ceasefire.
Putin: Russia Is Still Open to Ceasefire Discussions
Putin said he would speak with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan later Sunday about facilitating the Istanbul talks, reiterating that Russia is open to new truces as part of a path to peace.
“Our proposal is on the table. The decision now lies with the Ukrainian authorities and their backers, who seem more focused on their own political ambitions.”
Ceasefire Skepticism and Historical Context
Putin insisted that Russia had offered multiple ceasefires in the past, including:
- An Easter ceasefire
- A moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure
- A 72-hour truce during WWII victory commemorations
Still, Western officials remain skeptical of Russia’s intent, citing previous violations and the Kremlin’s firm preconditions for ending the conflict.
Putin’s Peace Terms Remain Unchanged
In a reminder of Russia’s core demands, Putin reiterated conditions first issued in June 2024, including:
- Ukraine renouncing NATO ambitions
- Withdrawal from four contested Ukrainian regions
- Recognition of Russian control over roughly 20% of Ukraine
- Ukrainian neutrality (though Russia is not opposed to EU membership)
“Russia is ready to negotiate without any preconditions,” Putin said, referencing the 2022 draft peace deal that included Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for security guarantees from the UN Security Council’s permanent members.
He also thanked China, Brazil, African and Middle Eastern nations, and the United States for attempting to mediate.
Geopolitical Stakes and Global Reactions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump—who has repeatedly vowed to end the war if re-elected—has labeled the war a “proxy conflict” between Washington and Moscow.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, European allies, and Ukraine maintain the war is an imperial-style land grab and have pledged continued support to defeat Russian forces.
“This war marks a defining moment in Russia’s relations with the West,” Putin said. “The West humiliated Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed by expanding NATO into our sphere of influence.”
Conclusion: Ceasefire Talks in Sight, But Uncertainty Remains
While Ukraine Russia ceasefire talks are now being formally proposed, trust remains fragile. Zelensky is pushing for an immediate halt to hostilities, while Putin seeks negotiations without preconditions, likely to secure leverage.
With drone strikes continuing and both sides trading blame over previous truces, the path to a genuine and lasting ceasefire remains uncertain.