“Zelenskyy Says He’s Willing to Meet With Putin”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15, while calling for an immediate and comprehensive cease-fire as a precondition for peace negotiations. Zelenskyy made the announcement on May 11, stating that Ukraine is prepared for talks but insists on a temporary halt to hostilities to create a foundation for meaningful diplomacy.

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X. “The first step in ending any war is a ceasefire.” In a subsequent post, he added that Ukraine seeks a “full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow,” and expressed hope that Russia would participate in good faith.

On the same day, Russia resumed drone strikes on Ukraine following a self-declared three-day pause in fighting that ended on May 10. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 108 drones, including decoys, from six locations. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 60, while an additional 41 simulator drones reportedly failed to reach their targets.

Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the cease-fire, which Ukraine did not formally recognize. The Russian Ministry of Defense alleged that Ukrainian forces violated the truce 14,000 times. Ukraine, in turn, described the cease-fire as unilateral and not honored by Russian forces.

President Zelenskyy has proposed initiating a 30-day unconditional cease-fire beginning May 12 and expects Russia to commit to a “full, lasting, and reliable” truce. “There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day,” he said.

Earlier on May 11, President Putin stated that he was open to direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul “without any preconditions,” suggesting a cease-fire could be negotiated as part of those discussions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later said that Putin’s offer represents a “very serious” effort and reflects “a real intention to find a peaceful solution.”

In a joint statement issued May 10, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 30-day cease-fire and urged Russia to engage in the process. “We call on Russia to agree to a full and unconditional 30-day cease-fire to create the space for talks on a just and lasting peace,” the statement said.

President Trump welcomed Putin’s remarks, calling May 11 “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” and reiterated his commitment to facilitating peace. “The USA wants to focus, instead, on Rebuilding and Trade. A big week upcoming!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has maintained communication with both Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, confirmed that Turkey is ready to host peace talks and assist in establishing a cease-fire and long-term peace. A statement from the Turkish Presidential Communications Office called the moment a “historic turning point” in efforts to end the conflict.

The proposed meeting in Istanbul marks the latest effort by international leaders to bring an end to the war, now entering its third year.

Rewritten: Source article posted here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/in-response-to-putin-zelenskyy-says-cease-fire-must-come-before-peace-talks-5855979?utm_source=Morningbrief&src_src=Morningbrief&utm_campaign=mb-2025-05-12&src_cmp=mb-2025-05-12&utm_medium=email&est=nwkvuLuKMZAOWdsi7%2FN838fjTSxDVdTwikRmWUYl9hSwgQOz57MhgHkFjvb8Vxza