Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would ask his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, tomorrow to organize direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev on May 15 in Istanbul, not ruling out that this could lead to an extended ceasefire.
The proposal, made in the early hours of the morning, follows yesterday's meeting in Kiev of the leaders of the coalition of the Willing with Ukrainian President Zelensky, at the end of which an ultimatum was sent to Putin: Russia must accept the 30-day ceasefire or face new sanctions from the EU and the US . Macron, Merz, Starmer and Tusk were present. Others were connected remotely, such as Prime Minister Meloni.
"Whoever wants peace cannot help but support" the proposal, Putin stressed. Meanwhile, at dawn today Russia launched a new drone attack on Kiev .
Putin's proposal is "a first step, but not enough", the Macrons' reply. "An unconditional ceasefire - the French president's words - is not preceded by negotiations", he added.
For his part, Trump reiterated his intention to "continue working with both sides" to achieve peace .
(Online Union)