Zelenskyy: Ukraine open to talks, but sets condition

Ukraine is ready to meet for negotiations with Russia, but Moscow must first confirm a ceasefire starting May 12, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram, Report informs via RBC-Ukraine.

The head of state called it "a good sign" that the Russians were considering ending the war. He stressed that the first step toward truly ending any war is a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy was responding to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks in Istanbul. The president said Ukraine is open to meetings, but a ceasefire must come first.

"There is no reason to continue the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — complete, lasting, and reliable — starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet," Zelenskyy emphasized.

On May 10, Kyiv hosted a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

As a result of the talks, Ukraine announced it was ready for a full ceasefire — on land, in the air, and at sea — for at least 30 days starting May 12. European leaders stated that Russia would face new sanctions if it refused to agree to a ceasefire.