Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks with Kyiv on 15 May, hours after European leaders threatened strong sanctions if Russia refused to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Kyiv described the proposal as a positive sign but French President Emmanuel Macron said it wasn’t enough.
Vladimir Putin called Sunday for “direct talks” with Ukraine on 15 May in Istanbul.
It came a day after leaders from France, Germany, the UK and Poland met in Kyiv and warned Russia it would face “new and massive” sanctions if Moscow did not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is ready to meet Putin for ceasefire talks, calling it “a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Zelensky added that Ukraine expected Russia to confirm it would abide by the 30-day ceasefire, beginning Monday.
Putin has not responded directly to the European-proposed ceasefire, which is backed by the US.
Ukraine and allies call on Russia to accept 30-day truce
‘Not enough’
President Macron said Putin’s proposal was “not enough”.
Read also:
Putin evokes WWII victory to rally Russia behind Ukraine offensive
France and Germany to launch new security council amid Ukraine war
Russian journalist who criticised Ukraine war escaped to France with NGO’s help