The Ukrainian president welcomes Russian initiatives, but he says that the ceasefire must come before the peace talks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Voludmir Zelinski welcomed on Sunday that Russia’s offer to direct peace talks, but he insisted that there should be a complete temporary preventive stop before negotiations began.

Zelinski, who wrote on X, called Russian President Vladimir Putin to start the conversations without a ceasefire “a positive sign”, said that “the whole world is waiting for this for a very long time.”

He added, however, “The first step in ending any war is a ceasefire.”

Meanwhile, Russia has resumed the attacks of the Jamahiriya drones in Ukraine early on Sunday, after the end of the 3 -day stoppage period.

On Sunday, the Air Force in Ukraine said that Russia fired 108 drones and drones from six different directions. 60 drones were shot down and 41 aircraft from another simulation plane failed to reach targets due to Ukrainian anti -measures.

The Ukrainian president seemed to insist on his proposal to start an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days on Monday. “There is no benefit in continuing killing until one day. We expect Russia to confirm the ceasefire – full, durable and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelinski said.

Putin refused in notes on the media over the effective eve that the ceasefire and suggested restarting direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday instead “without preconditions.” He said that a ceasefire may be agreed during the negotiations.

Anti -Putin came after leaders of four major European countries threatened to pressure Moscow if the unattended ceasefire did not accept 30 days in Ukraine, which they presented on Saturday in a strong offer of unity with Kiev.

In a post on social media several hours after Putin’s statements, US President Donald Trump said it was “a great possible day for Russia and Ukraine!”

“I will continue to work with both sides to make sure this happens. The United States wants to focus, instead, on rebuilding and trade. Big week is coming!” He added.

In the comments broadcast on the Russian state TV on Sunday, Putin’s proposal was “very dangerous” and said that he “confirms a real intention to find a peaceful solution.”

“The objectives of the talks are clear: eliminating the radical causes of the conflict,” Peskov said.