[Reactions to Putin's Proposal for Direct Negotiations with Ukraine]

On May 11, Russian President Putin officially proposed to Ukraine to resume peace negotiations in Istanbul, and the continuation of dialogue should not be subject to any preconditions. This is at odds with the stance of the Kyiv authorities: Zelenskyy and Ukraine's European allies insist that before negotiations can begin, both sides should first agree to a 30-day ceasefire.

1.Zelenskyy: Russia is finally considering ending the war, which is a good sign. The whole world has been waiting for this day. The first step to truly ending any war is a ceasefire. It makes no sense to continue killing for even one more day. We expect Russia to confirm the ceasefire - a comprehensive, lasting, and reliable ceasefire. Starting tomorrow, May 12, Ukraine (after this) is prepared for meetings. We expect a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire starting tomorrow to lay the necessary foundation for diplomacy. There is no need to delay the killings. I will wait for Putin in Turkey on Thursday for a personal meeting. I hope the Russians won't find excuses this time for why they cannot (organize such a meeting).

2.U.S. President Trump: For Russia and Ukraine, this could be a day of great significance! I think of thousands of lives; I hope these lives can be saved when this endless "bloody massacre" ends. This will be a new and much better peace situation. I will continue to cooperate with both sides to ensure peace is achieved. The United States wants to focus on reconstruction and trade (not war). An important week is coming! Putin does not want a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine; instead, he wants to meet in Turkey on Thursday to negotiate the possible end of this "bloody massacre." Ukraine should immediately agree to this. At least, they can figure out if an agreement can be reached; if not, European leaders and the U.S. will understand the situation and be able to coordinate actions! I am beginning to doubt whether Ukraine will reach an agreement with Putin. Putin is busy celebrating the victory of World War II, and without the U.S., this victory would not have been (nearly) achieved. Let's hold the meeting immediately!!!

3.French President Macron: During the meeting in Kyiv (on May 10), my proposal with President Trump was clear: an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days starting Monday (May 12). President Zelenskyy has taken on this obligation without any additional conditions. Now we expect Russia to give the same clear response. There can be no negotiations while the gunfire continues. There can be no dialogue while civilians are still being bombed. A ceasefire is needed now to start negotiations for peace.

4.Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Yermak: First, a 30-day ceasefire, then talk about other issues. Russia should not mask its desire to continue the war with words. A ceasefire is the first step to ending the war, which will prove Russia's readiness to stop the killing.

5.Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zakharova: Judging from Kyiv's response to the negotiation proposal, it seems they haven't carefully read the text of Putin's statement. Putin clearly stated that negotiations should first address the root causes before discussing peace issues.

6.German Chancellor Scholz: Yesterday (May 10), in Kyiv, we and our partners called for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for negotiations. Ukraine agreed to this without any "ifs" or "buts." If the Russian side now sends signals that they are ready to negotiate, this is a good sign. But this is not enough. We expect Moscow to also agree to the ceasefire now, only then can real negotiations take place. First, the guns must fall silent, then negotiations can begin.

7.U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine-Russia Affairs Kellogg: As President Trump has repeatedly stated, stop the killing!! First, an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and progress towards comprehensive peace negotiations during this period. There is no other (path to peace).

8.Polish Prime Minister Tusk: In response to our call (for a ceasefire starting May 12 for 30 days), the Russians proposed peace talks starting May 15. However, the world is waiting for a clear decision on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine is ready. No more sacrifices!

9.Turkish President Erdogan: On the path to the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, a historical turning point has been reached. This opportunity should be seized, and Turkey is ready to make any contribution, including organizing negotiations, to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace.

10.Czech Foreign Minister Lipavsky: It's simple. Ukraine and the democratic world demand a ceasefire, but Putin wants to keep firing.

11.Latvian President Linkevics: A simple fact: Ukraine is ready for peace, but Russia is not. An unconditional and immediate ceasefire for 30 days is a good start for the peace process. Russia started this war, and Russia does not want it to end, so it bears full responsibility for this ongoing bloody disaster.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831864735867916/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.