Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed Russia’s offer for direct peace talks, but emphasized that a full, temporary ceasefire must be in place before negotiations can start.
This development comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed restarting direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions.
– *Ceasefire Proposal*:
Zelenskyy has proposed a 30-day unconditional truce starting Monday, May 12, which has received backing from the European Union and US President Donald Trump.
– *Putin’s Counter-Offer*:
Putin has rejected Zelenskyy’s ceasefire proposal and instead suggested that a ceasefire might be agreed upon during negotiations.
– *Western Skepticism*:
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed skepticism toward Moscow’s intentions, stating that an unconditional ceasefire cannot be preceded by negotiations.
### Ongoing Conflict:
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russia has resumed mass drone attacks in Ukraine, launching 108 attack drones and simulator drones from six different directions. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 60 drones, while 41 simulator drones failed to reach targets due to Ukrainian countermeasures ¹.
### International Response
– *US Involvement*:
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the potential for peace talks, stating that it’s “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and vowing to work with both sides to facilitate a resolution.
– *European Support*:
European leaders, including Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have coordinated efforts to pressure Moscow into accepting an unconditional ceasefire.
