Zelensky: The first step to end the Russia-Ukraine war is to cease fire starting from May 12

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (May 11) that Russia's consideration of ending the war is a positive sign, but the first step is a ceasefire starting from May 12.

Reuters reported that Zelensky said on X: "This is a positive signal indicating that Russia has finally begun to consider ending the war..." And the first step to truly end any war is a ceasefire.

It makes no sense to continue killing even for one day. We expect Russia to confirm a comprehensive, lasting and reliable ceasefire starting from tomorrow, that is, May 12th.

Putin began a televised speech at the Kremlin at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday (6:30 a.m. Singapore time), saying: "We propose that Kyiv resume direct talks without any preconditions and suggest that the Kyiv authorities resume talks in Istanbul on Thursday (15th)."

A few hours before Putin proposed direct dialogue with Ukraine, major European powers demanded in Kyiv on Saturday (the 10th) that Putin agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, otherwise they would face large-scale new sanctions.

In his television speech, Putin refuted the claim that some major European powers were attempting to issue "ultimatums".

Putin said that he did not rule out the possibility that during the talks in Turkey, the two sides would reach an agreement on "some new ceasefire agreements", which is the first step towards long-term peace.