Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to meet Putin for ceasefire talks

[muriel_volestrangler]

We've just heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who says Kyiv is ready to meet Russia for ceasefire talks.

Without responding directly to Putin’s invitation for talks in Istanbul, he says: “It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war.”

He adds: “The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”

“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, 12 May, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cdxkl8wwgljt?post=asset%3A0518c1e0-316f-4fe4-b650-eae0b405f058#post

Earlier:

Putin calls for 'direct talks' with Ukraine as European leaders demand ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukraine to take part in "direct talks" on 15 May, hours after European leaders urged Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.

In a rare televised late-night address from the Kremlin, Putin said Russia was seeking "serious negotiations" aimed at "moving towards a lasting, strong peace".
...
In his own statement, Putin said he could "not rule out" the possibility that the talks could result in Russia and Ukraine agreeing "a new truce". But he did not address calls for a 30-day ceasefire directly.

The Russian leader said the proposed talks should be held in the Turkish city of Istanbul, as they have been before, and that he would speak to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday to discuss the details.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce821nl3251o

[sakabatou]

1. My guess: Putin will demand that Ukraine officially cede control of Crimea and surrounding regions

[Emrys]

2. Inevitable that he'll do that

Zelensky wanting to involve Turkey may add an interesting twist - Erdoğan's always been extremely firm on Russia not holding on to Crimea:

Erdoğan demands Crimea’s return to Ukraine

12 September 2024

President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has called for the return of the Crimean Peninsula annexed by Russia to Ukraine. In a video message to a Crimean Platform summit, the Turkish President said, "Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering. International law mandates that Crimea be returned to Ukraine." Kyiv is attempting to draw more international attention to the annexed peninsula through the Crimean Platform, which was established in 2021.

Ankara also criticised Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Since the beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Erdoğan has repeatedly underlined the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty. Ankara is regarded as the traditional protector of Crimean Tatars, who make up 10 per cent of Crimea. "They have the right to live a free, secure, and peaceful life in their homeland," Erdoğan said about the Crimean Tatars.

https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/english/dis_basinda_turkiye/detay/erdogan-demands-crimeas-return-to-ukraine