Zelensky answered Putin's proposal and presented his conditions

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky responded to holding direct talks on May 15 in Istanbul. He called on May 12 to stop the fire, and in that case Kiev will be ready to meet. The Ukrainian leader published his statement in his Telegramian channel.

"We expect Russia to approve the ceasefire, complete, long and reliable, starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet," Zelensky wrote.

He called the negotiation proposal a good sign. According to him, this is the first step towards the cessation of the conflict.

Vladimir Putin offered Kiev to resume direct talks in Istanbul. He has appointed a meeting on Thursday, May 15.

Russia is ready for negotiations without preconditions, the President added. Putin also thanked US President Donald Trump for mediation efforts to the Ukrainian settlement. The head of state did not rule out that they could reach a ceasefire during the talks.

"We are committed to serious talks with Ukraine. Their goal is to eliminate the radical causes of the conflict and establish long-lasting, stable peace, "Putin said.

Russian presidential assistant Yuri Ushakov told reporters that a Russian delegation to participate in the talks in Istanbul, which will be announced later. According to him, it is easy to start the negotiation process, if Ki wants it.