Zelenskyy welcomes Russian overtures, says ceasefire before peace talks

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed optimism over Russia's recent engagement in efforts to end the war, but emphasized that a ceasefire must come before any peace talks can take place.

Describing the Russian overture as a “positive sign,” Zelenskyy stated that “the entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time,” and insisted that “the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”

In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in remarks to the media, effectively rejected the ceasefire proposal, instead suggesting that direct talks with Ukraine be resumed in Istanbul on May 15.

With PTI inputs