Ceasefire call from Ukraine: Zelensky awaits Russia's approval

Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements to journalists following events marking the May 9 Victory Day and meetings with leaders of foreign countries. Recalling that the ceasefire on energy infrastructure proposed by the US in Ukraine, as well as the ceasefires he himself proposed during Easter and Victory Day, were not accepted by Ukraine, Putin stated that Russia has never refused dialogue with Ukraine.

In this context, emphasizing that despite everything, they are proposing that Kiev officials restart the negotiations they paused at the end of 2022, Putin said, "We propose that direct negotiations be restarted on Thursday, May 15, where they were previously interrupted, in Istanbul, specifically without any preconditions, and that they begin without wasting any time."

"I WILL MAKE A REQUEST TO ERDOĞAN"

Reminding that Turkey has made offers multiple times to organize negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Putin expressed that President and AKP Chairman Erdoğan has also done a great deal to facilitate this organization.

Putin recalled that a draft document was prepared as a result of the negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022 and that Kiev had initialed it, stating that this document was thrown away due to the attitude of the West.

Putin assessed, "I have a meeting with President Erdoğan. I will request that he provide such an opportunity for negotiations to be held in Turkey. I hope he will confirm his willingness to contribute to the search for peace in Ukraine. We are determined to hold serious negotiations with Ukraine."

Underlining that their goal with this negotiation is to "eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish a long-term, lasting peace within a historical perspective," Putin said, "We do not exclude that during these negotiations, it may be possible to agree on a new ceasefire and real change that will be adhered to not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side. This would be the first step."

"OUR PROPOSAL IS ON THE TABLE"

Pointing out that this proposal is for a long-term sustainable peace, Putin noted that this should not lead to the Ukrainian army being fully equipped and strengthened, followed by the continuation of the armed conflict.

Putin said, "Our proposals are on the table. The decision now rests with the Ukrainian authorities and their curators."

RESPONSE FROM UKRAINE

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that they are waiting for Russia to approve the proposal for a full, permanent, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, and that they are ready for talks.

Noting that they are waiting for Russia to approve the ceasefire proposal, Zelensky stated the following:

"It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally started to think about ending the war. The whole world has been waiting for this for a very long time. The first step to truly ending any war is a ceasefire. There is no point in continuing to kill, even for a single day. We expect Russia to approve a full, permanent, and reliable ceasefire tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready for talks."

WHAT DID TRUMP SAY?

US President Donald Trump made a statement on his Truth Social social media account following Putin's proposal for "direct negotiations" with Ukraine.

Using the phrase "Potentially a great day for Russia and Ukraine," Trump stated that thousands of lives could be saved with the end of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Assessing that "It will be a completely new and much better world," Trump noted that he would continue to work on this issue with Russia and Ukraine, and that they want to focus on developing trade with these countries.

President Trump used the phrase, "A big week is coming."