Putin's Talk Offer Clashes with Zelensky's Ceasefire Demand: A Stalemate in Ukraine-Russia Negotiations
Ceasefire demanded by Zelenskyy, effective from Monday
In the ongoing standoff between Ukraine and Russia, the warring parties are at odds over proposals for peace talks. The Kremlin proposes direct negotiations starting from Thursday, supposedly sans prerequisites, yet remains tight-lipped on the Western demand for an immediate ceasefire from Monday. This is the crux of the dilemma that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky finds himself in.
Zelensky sees the Russian offer of direct peace talks as a glimmer of hope, but insists on a ceasefire from Monday as the first move. In his social media post, Zelensky expresses optimism about the Russians finally considering an end to the war. He articulates that the fundamental first step towards actual peace is a ceasefire.
"It's about bloody time the Russians started thinking about ending this godforsaken war," says Zelensky. "And the initial bloody step towards that is a bloody ceasefire."
Zelensky emphasizes the importance of a ceasefire from May 12, explaining that Russia must confirm a complete, permanent, and reliable ceasefire for this to happen. In case of a positive response, Ukraine is ready for dialogue.
The demand for an immediate ceasefire from Monday was made jointly by Ukraine and its significant European allies on Saturday. During a meeting with the heads of state and government of Germany, France, Britain, and Poland, it was agreed that the ceasefire should endure for at least 30 days to facilitate negotiations for a final peace. The prospect of Russia's refusal brings the threat of additional sanctions.
Politics play a crucial role in this complex situation. A possible meeting between Putin and Erdogan next week could influence the course of negotiations. Putin has offered direct talks with Kyiv, starting on May 15 in Istanbul.
Yet, the Kremlin leader's midnight counteroffer of direct talks sans preconditions, starting from Thursday, has been met with skepticism. The Russian president did not directly comment on the Western demand for an immediate ceasefire, stating, "We propose the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks that were interrupted in 2022, and let me emphasize, without preconditions."
Meanwhile, as of the latest available information, the ceasefire proposed by President Zelensky has not been accepted by Russia. [1]
[1] Source: ntv.de, hul/rts/dpa/AFP
(Enrichment Data: As of May 10, 2025, the proposed general ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has not been agreed upon by both parties. Russia has not accepted the ceasefire proposed by Ukraine, and the US-Ukrainian proposal for a general ceasefire of 30 days or more has received support from the UK and the French-led Coalition of the Willing, but Russia remains opposed to it.)
- Despite the Kremlin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine starting May 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists on a ceasefire from May 12 as the first step toward peace.
- Zelensky's demand for an immediate ceasefire was made jointly with significant European allies on Saturday, with the agreement that it should last for at least 30 days to facilitate negotiations for a final peace.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the ongoing war-and-conflicts situations such as the one in Ukraine.
- As of May 10, 2025, the proposed general ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has not been agreed upon by both parties, despite the US-Ukrainian proposal receiving support from the UK and the French-led Coalition of the Willing.
