Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday welcomed Russia’s provide for direct peace talks, however insisted there have to be a full, non permanent ceasefire in place earlier than negotiations can begin.
Zelenskyy, writing on X, referred to as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s counter-offer to begin talks with no ceasefire a “optimistic signal,” and stated that “the complete world has been ready for this for a really very long time.”
He added, nevertheless, that “the very first step in really ending any conflict is a ceasefire.”
In the meantime, Russia resumed mass drone assaults in Ukraine early on Sunday, after its self-declared three-day pause expired.
Russia launched 108 assault drones and simulator drones from six completely different instructions, Ukraine’s Air Pressure stated on Sunday. It stated 60 drones have been shot down and one other 41 simulator drones failed to succeed in targets as a result of Ukrainian countermeasures.
The Russian Defence Ministry on Sunday accused Ukraine of “violating” Moscow’s three-day ceasefire greater than 14,000 occasions. Ukraine has additionally accused Russia of violating its personal truce, with the Ukrainian international minister calling it a farce.
Ukraine didn’t conform to the Could 8-10 ceasefire, which Russia unilaterally declared, and accused Russia of repeatedly violating it.
The Ukrainian president appeared to insist on his proposal to begin a 30-day unconditional ceasefire on Monday. “There is no such thing as a level in persevering with the killing even for a single day. We anticipate Russia to verify a ceasefire — full, lasting and dependable — beginning tomorrow, Could 12, and Ukraine is able to meet,” Zelenskyy stated.
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In remarks to the media in a single day, Putin successfully rejected that ceasefire provide and proposed restarting direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday “with out preconditions.”
A ceasefire is likely to be agreed on in the course of the negotiations, he stated.
Putin’s counteroffer got here after leaders from 4 main European international locations threatened to ratchet up strain on Moscow if it doesn’t settle for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine that they provided on Saturday in a robust present of unity with Kyiv.
In a social media put up a number of hours after Putin’s remarks, U.S. President Donald Trump stated it was “a doubtlessly nice day for Russia and Ukraine!”
“I’ll proceed to work with each side to ensure that it occurs. The USA desires to focus, as a substitute, on Rebuilding and Commerce. A BIG week upcoming!” he added.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in feedback aired by Russian state TV on Sunday, referred to as Putin’s proposal “very critical” and stated it confirms an actual intention to “discover a peaceable resolution.”
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“The targets of the talks are clear: To get rid of the foundation causes of the battle and in addition to make sure the pursuits of the Russian Federation,” Peskov stated.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed France’s Emmanuel Macron in a phone name that Turkey was able to contribute to peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with internet hosting negotiations.
In the course of the name on Sunday, Erdogan stated a “historic turning level” had been reached in efforts to finish the conflict, based on a press release from the Turkish presidential communications workplace.
The Turkish chief additionally spoke to Putin on Sunday, his communications workplace stated, and affirmed his readiness to host negotiations “that might result in an enduring decision.”
Erdogan additionally stated he welcomed Putin’s assertion relating to the resumption of peace talks in Istanbul.
