Zelenskyy welcomes offer for peace talks but says ceasefire must come first

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 4:11 pm

Zelenskyy Welcomes Peace Talks, But Demands Ceasefire First: Latest Developments in Ukraine Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to Russia's offer for direct peace talks, welcoming the move but firmly insisting on a full, temporary ceasefire as a prerequisite. This stance highlights the ongoing complexities and deep-seated distrust surrounding the conflict.

Zelenskyy, in a statement on X, acknowledged the Russian offer as a "positive sign" but emphasized that a ceasefire must precede any negotiations. This position is echoed by U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, who expressed concern that Russia is not making concessions.

The situation is further complicated by continued military activity. Russia resumed mass drone attacks on Sunday after a self-declared three-day pause, launching over 100 drones. While Ukraine's air force reported shooting down a significant number, the attacks underscore the ongoing violence.

International reactions are mixed. British Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson expressed skepticism, suggesting Russia's offer might be a tactic to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced caution, viewing the offer as a "first step, but not enough." However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to host peace talks in Istanbul, and former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism, calling it a "potentially great day."

The core issue remains the terms of any potential ceasefire. Zelenskyy has proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, a proposal that Putin has effectively rejected, instead proposing talks without preconditions. The Russian Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of violating its ceasefire, while Ukraine has called the Russian truce a farce.

BNN's Perspective: The situation remains incredibly volatile. While any dialogue is a positive development, the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting demands make a swift resolution unlikely. The insistence on a ceasefire before talks is understandable, given the ongoing violence, but it also presents a significant hurdle. The international community must remain vigilant and continue to pressure both sides to find a path toward a lasting peace, but the path forward is fraught with challenges.

Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, peace talks, ceasefire, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, drone attacks, conflict, negotiations, international relations, war, diplomacy, Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump, Michael McCaul, Peter Mandelson, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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