Zelenskyy signals readiness for direct peace talks with Putin

Axios reported the information.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Poland and Germany spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and declared Kyiv's readiness for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday, May 12.

According to the statement, the call with Trump followed a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv. At the end of the meeting, Zelenskyy and the European leaders called Trump and informed him of their stance.

"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting Monday," Sybiha stated. "If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a stable ceasefire and confidence-building measures could pave the way to peace talks."

Two Axios sources briefed on the 15-minute call confirmed that Zelenskyy and European leaders told Trump Ukraine was ready for direct peace talks with Russia if a ceasefire deal was reached.

They also emphasized that if Moscow rejects the 30-day truce, European countries would impose new sanctions on Russia.

“Trump seemed pleased that Ukraine accepted the ceasefire and agreed to direct talks with Russia,” one source said.

The second source noted that Trump was glad to hear everyone supported his proposal.

“Now we’re waiting for Russia’s move,” the source concluded.

• On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing met in Kyiv. As a result, they supported an unconditional and complete ceasefire in Ukraine for 30 days, which is to begin on Monday, May 12.