On Saturday, Zelensky received the backing of Europe’s major powers and US President Donald Trump for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded early on Sunday with a proposal for direct talks with Kyiv starting on Thursday in Turkey.

“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war … And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire,” Zelenskiy said on X.

“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, said on Telegram, first, there had to a ceasefire, “then everything else”.

“Russia should not disguise its desire to continue the war with vague statements.”