On May 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Russia to confirm an unconditional ceasefire starting May 12 as a prerequisite for initiating peace talks. This appeal followed a proposal backed by major European powers and U.S. President Donald Trump for a 30-day ceasefire to begin on Monday. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct negotiations with Kyiv to commence on Thursday in Turkey. While Zelenskiy welcomed the shift in Russia’s stance toward potentially ending the conflict, he emphasized that a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire is essential before any meaningful dialogue can occur. His Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, reinforced this position, insisting that a clear cessation of hostilities must precede further diplomatic steps and criticized ambiguous Russian statements as potential cover for continued aggression.

Source: Reuters