Ukraine Ready for Talks – President Zelensky Calls for Ceasefire Starting May 12 as First Step to Ending War

Ukraine Ready for Talks – President Zelensky Calls for Ceasefire Starting May 12 as First Step to Ending War
[Kyiv, May 11, 2025] — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia’s apparent willingness to end the war is a "positive signal," but emphasized that a true first step toward peace must be a ceasefire. He has called on Russia to implement a full, long-term, and credible ceasefire starting May 12.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night, Zelensky wrote:
"The first step to ending any war is a ceasefire. Not another day should be marked by loss of life. Starting tomorrow, May 12, we expect from Russia a guarantee of a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire. Ukraine is ready to enter negotiations."

He added:
"It is extremely positive that Russia is finally beginning to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this moment for a very long time."

Zelensky’s remarks come shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 15. Ukraine has yet to officially respond to that proposal.

Analysts say that if the proposed ceasefire is realized, it would mark a major turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022 and has since claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused widespread instability across Europe.

President Zelensky’s statement makes it clear that Kyiv is committed to peace, and that the next steps depend on whether Russia is truly willing to take concrete measures to stop the war.