Ukrainian leader demands ceasefire as precondition for peace talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared to enter into negotiations with Russia, but only if Moscow agrees to a ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and supported by several EU nations, beginning May 12.

The ceasefire was describes as a necessary first step toward ending the ongoing war, Caliber.Az reports via Zelenskyy’s message on Telegram.

He wrote that it was a positive sign that the Russians were finally considering ending the war, noting that the entire world had long awaited such a development. He emphasised that the very first step toward truly ending any war was a ceasefire.

The Ukrainian leader emphasised the urgency of halting hostilities immediately, stressing that each additional day of fighting only brings further loss. 

He added that there was no reason to prolong the killing for even a single day and expressed Ukraine's expectation that Russia would confirm a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting the next day, May 12. He also stated that if that occurred, Ukraine would be ready to hold talks.

By Naila Huseynova