Putin says Russia ready for ‘direct talks' with Ukraine
As per CNN, the US President has made ending the war in Ukraine one of his priorities. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff went to Russia several times to hold meetings between several other high-level meetings between US and Russian officials since Trump returned to the White House in January.
Trump welcomes Putin's proposal
Meanwhile, Trump on Sunday welcomed the proposal by Putin to hold direct talks with Ukraine in the Turkish city of Istanbul starting on Thursday.
'A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine! Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending 'bloodbath' hopefully comes to an end. It will be a whole new, and much better, world,' Trump said on social media.
Trump went on to say that he will continue to work with both Moscow and Kyiv to 'make sure that it happens'.
'A big week upcoming!' he added, touting a shift in focus to rebuilding and trade.
Zelensky, meanwhile, said he welcomed Putin's offer of direct talks, but said a ceasefire must come first.
'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,' Zelensky posted on X.
'We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th,' he added.
Agencies
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