Zelenskyy Agrees to Talks with Russia if Immediate Ceasefire Begins May 12

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared for direct negotiations with Russia later this week, but only if Moscow agrees to an unconditional ceasefire beginning May 12.

The statement comes in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s overnight proposal to hold peace talks in Turkey on Thursday. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy emphasized that “there is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day,” and demanded a “full, lasting, and reliable” ceasefire as a prerequisite for dialogue.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in diplomacy but stressed that halting hostilities must come first. His statement signals Kyiv’s willingness to explore a peaceful resolution, provided Moscow demonstrates immediate commitment to ending aggression.

Russia has yet to confirm whether it will accept the ceasefire terms ahead of the proposed meeting in Turkey. The international community continues to monitor the situation, as pressure mounts on both sides to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict.