Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia, demanding that hostilities end by Monday. This plea comes on the heels of a major overnight attack where Russia deployed over 100 drones into Ukraine’s skies. This attack occurred just minutes after an extension of a 72-hour ceasefire brokered by Moscow had lapsed.
The temporary ceasefire was designed to establish a peaceful atmosphere for negotiations. Yet both parties repeatedly violated its provisions, leading to an ongoing cycle of violence. Zelenskyy’s new conditions underscore the need for a more robust ceasefire deal before any significant negotiations are likely to take place.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in Istanbul for peace talks, contingent upon the establishment of a ceasefire. He stressed that talks could start only after the “guns need to be stopped.”
“We expect Moscow to agree to a ceasefire that allows real talks to take place. First the weapons must be silenced, then the discussions can begin.” – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Unfortunately, the backdrop to this diplomatic push has been overshadowed by increased military hostilities. That’s why on the night of May 11, Ukraine’s air force launched their biggest shock counter-offensive. They had a success rate of 60/108 Shahed attack drones and other imitators Russia has unleashed. This unprecedented step came on the heels of Putin’s refusal of a 30-day ceasefire proposal from Kyiv and its European partners.
Zelenskyy reiterated that there can be no negotiations without a formal ceasefire first secured. This position would be consistent with the message being delivered to them by world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron joined the calls for a “necessity for a ceasefire,” becoming the fourth European leader to call for de-escalation.
Even with these calls for peace, Putin has continued to insist on negotiations directly with Ukraine with no preconditions. He has rejected the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, prompting fears about his willingness to take any action to help broker an end.
In the United States, former President Donald Trump voiced skepticism about the possibility of a ceasefire, stating, “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine.” This feeling is part of a larger trend of increasing skepticism from Western leaders towards Russia’s interest in pursuing serious negotiations.
Zelenskyy remains resolute about the need for dialogue but insists that it must be underpinned by genuine efforts towards peace. He’s hellbent to meet Putin face-to-face in Türkiye on Thursday. He just hopes, as he told us, that Russia will not go fishing for excuses to reject negotiations this time.
“There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.” – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
As the situation unfolds, global leaders are still calling for a ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV conveyed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the importance of striving for “genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.”