Kathmandu: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a strong willingness to enter peace negotiations with Russia—provided Moscow agrees to a 30-day ceasefire beginning Monday. The announcement marks a potential turning point in the three-year-old war that has devastated Ukraine and strained global stability.

Zelensky made the statement while emphasizing his government's commitment to a peaceful resolution. “There is no point in continuing the violence even for a single day. If Russia agrees to a complete, credible and permanent ceasefire, Ukraine is ready for talks,” he stated on social media.

The Ukrainian leader suggested May 15 in Istanbul as a possible date and venue for direct talks, adding that for the first time since the war began, Russia had shown “some positive signs.” However, he stressed that a ceasefire is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any dialogue.

Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak echoed this condition, saying, “First a 30-day ceasefire, and only then will other issues be discussed.”

Russia Yet to Respond to Ceasefire Demand
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed May 15 as a potential date for negotiations, he has not yet publicly responded to the ceasefire condition laid out by Ukraine and supported by several Western allies.

This diplomatic overture comes amid intensified international calls for de-escalation and renewed efforts by neutral countries like Turkey, which previously hosted peace talks in the early stages of the conflict.

If accepted, the 30-day ceasefire could mark the first significant pause in hostilities since full-scale war erupted, opening a window for broader humanitarian relief and possibly a longer-term diplomatic process.