Overview

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a full, durable ceasefire starting May 12 as a prerequisite for attending peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on May 15.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed unconditional negotiations but declined to commit to the EU-backed 30-day ceasefire ultimatum issued during a high-profile visit to Kyiv.
• Hostilities have persisted, with Ukraine reporting over 100 Russian drone strikes overnight, of which 60 were intercepted, following the expiration of Russia's three-day Victory Day truce.
• The EU and U.S. have pledged to monitor any agreed ceasefire, while Turkey has confirmed its readiness to host the proposed talks.
• Western leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, have criticized Putin's offer as a delaying tactic, emphasizing that negotiations cannot proceed while Ukraine remains under attack.