Zelenskyy Welcomes Putin’s Offer for Direct Talks as Positive Sign to End War

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the indication that Russia may be considering ending the war, calling it a positive sign. He emphasised the importance of a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire as the first step towards peace. Zelenskyy said that the ceasefire must cover all areas, land, sea, and air, and should last at least 30 days.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that Russia is ready for ‘direct talks’ with Ukraine. The development comes after



European leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland travelled to Kyiv and called for a full and unconditional ceasefire.

In a televised address from the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the talks should happen in Turkey’s capital, Istanbul, where the two countries may be able to agree upon new ceasefires. The Russian leader said he would speak to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the details.