President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine responded cautiously on Sunday to Russia’s supply of direct talks, calling it a “optimistic signal” however insisting that President Vladimir V. Putin should conform to a right away cease-fire first.
The Ukrainian chief’s feedback got here hours after Mr. Putin successfully rejected a cease-fire and as an alternative proposed that direct talks between representatives of the 2 nations happen on Might 15 in Istanbul. Mr. Zelensky didn’t straight tackle these particulars, however stated in a social media submit that he nonetheless “anticipated Russia to substantiate a cease-fire” that may begin on Monday.
The leaders of France, Britain, Germany and Poland visited Ukraine over the weekend and set a Monday deadline for Russia to just accept a 30-day cease-fire or face further sanctions. The European leaders, who spoke with President Trump by telephone from Kyiv on Saturday, stated that the US would additionally impose sanctions on Russia if Mr. Putin didn’t conform to the truce.
On Sunday, Mr. Trump questioned whether or not both aspect wished to make a deal. In a social media post, Mr. Trump stated that Russia’s chief “doesn’t need to have a Stop Fireplace Settlement with Ukraine” however as an alternative desires to satisfy in Turkey. Mr. Trump added that he was “beginning to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal” with Putin, however implored each side to take the assembly.
“No less than they are going to be capable to decide whether or not or not a deal is feasible, and if it isn’t, European leaders, and the U.S., will know the place the whole lot stands, and might proceed accordingly,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Since initiating efforts to finish the warfare in Ukraine three months in the past, the Trump administration has aligned with Russia on a vote within the United Nations on the warfare and resumed broader diplomatic ties with Moscow. It has left in place current financial sanctions however has not ramped up strain with further restrictions, whilst Mr. Putin has proven little signal of pulling again within the warfare.
