Overview

• Western leaders, led by Zelensky, Macron, Starmer, Merz, and Tusk, have united around a four-point plan demanding a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, stronger sanctions, and frozen Russian asset use.
• Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without preconditions or an immediate cessation of fighting.
• Ukraine, backed by Western allies, insists a ceasefire must precede negotiations, with Zelensky reiterating readiness to meet Putin if hostilities halt by May 12.
• Western leaders, including U.S. President Trump, emphasize that any negotiations must be anchored by a ceasefire, rejecting Russia's conditional approach.
• Amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, including drone strikes on Kyiv, skepticism remains over Moscow's intentions to engage in meaningful peace talks.