Zelenskyy explains why Ukraine is offering Russia 30-day ceasefire

He stated this during a briefing on May 13.

Zelenskyy was asked if Russia would use the ceasefire to regroup and prepare for a summer offensive.

"No one knows in advance what will happen, what will occur. I believe that this period will not be enough for them to fully restore their forces," said the president.

He explained that the 30-day ceasefire is more about de-escalation and creating an opportunity for dialogue.

Zelenskyy also noted that Russia's demand to stop military aid during the ceasefire is unrealistic, and that any delay in new shipments of weapons will not affect Ukraine's defense capability, as the necessary supplies are already in stock.

"And the fact that there will be no crossing of our border by this or that weapon also will not work. Because what we need, we already have in our warehouses," said the President.

Negotiations with Russia: What is known

During his nightly address on May 11, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that he was allegedly ready for direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side in Turkey as early as next week. At the same time, he ignored the idea of a 30-day ceasefire. In response, American leader Donald Trump stated that he would continue to work with both sides, and that the coming week would be "big."

On May 12, the German government stated that if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by the end of the day, European partners will launch the process of preparing new sanctions. In response, the Kremlin said that "the language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia."

The same day, Trump said that he may be personally present in Istanbul on May 15. Zelenskyy welcomed the corresponding decision.