World leaders reacting to Putin's peace talks move: Key statements
Photo: The world leaders react to Putin's new move on the peace talks (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
After Ukraine, the EU, and the US proposed a temporary ceasefire starting May 12, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he was ready to talk on May 15, with no mention of any ceasefire. The Kremlin's move sparked a wave of international reactions.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the first to respond to Putin’s statement and expressed support for Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He emphasized that yesterday in Kyiv, together with US President Donald Trump, they made a clear proposal of an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
“President Zelenskyy committed without setting any condition. We now expect an equally clear response from Russia. There can be no negotiations while weapons are speaking,” he stressed.
He adds that there can be no dialogue while civilians are being bombed.
“A ceasefire is needed now, so that talks can begin. For peace,” he concluded.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also responded to Putin’s proposal for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul after May 15, stating that Europe wants to join the talks, but only after a ceasefire is established.
Germany
Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz also responded to Putin’s proposal for talks in Istanbul.
Merz said that Russia’s proposal for direct negotiations with Ukraine was “a good first step,” yet “by no means enough.”
“We expect Moscow to now agree to a ceasefire. This is essential before beginning a genuine dialogue. Talks cannot begin until the weapons fall silent,” Merz stated.
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on his X that the world is waiting for Russia’s decision on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
“In response to our appeal, the Russians have proposed peace talks starting May 15. The world, however, іs waiting for univocal decision on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine is ready. No more victims!” he stated.
US
Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg, in turn, emphasized that there must be an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine first, and only then peace talks can begin.
“Not the other way around,” Kellogg concluded.
Lithuania
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys also expressed support for Ukraine and noted that Putin is once again playing his usual game.
“Putin's answer to yet another ceasefire proposal: a swarm of 100 drones raining down on Ukraine overnight. Putin is playing his usual game - wielding terror as leverage and stalling for time to avoid any real path to peace,” he said.
He stressed that speaking of peace while Russian bombs continue to fall on peaceful Ukrainian civilians is a farce.
“The rules are clear - unconditional ceasefire from Monday or face new tougher sanctions. The fact that Putin rushed to hold a press conference less than 24 hours after European leaders, backed by the US, demanded an unconditional ceasefire tells us everything. This approach works - and we must stick to it,” the minister added.
He concluded by stating that this time, the world must follow through.
“If Russian guns do not go silent by Monday, a new round of sanctions must be enforced - without hesitation,” Budrys said.
Czechia
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský also noted that Putin’s statement shows that he wants to continue shooting.
“It is simple. Ukraine and the democratic world demand a ceasefire, Putin wants to keep shooting,” he wrote.
Türkiye
Even Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan named Putin the main condition for negotiations with Ukraine.
According to Erdoğan’s press service, the Turkish president had a phone call with the Kremlin leader.
During the talks, Erdoğan told Putin that his statement about continuing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul from where they left off was welcome.
However, he emphasized that a “window of opportunity for peace has now opened,” and a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace negotiations.
Ceasefire talks
Yesterday, May 10, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv.
They had a meeting with President Zelenskyy, after which they called Trump.
Following the leaders’ talks, it became clear that Ukraine and all its allies are ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting Monday, May 12.
Afterward, Zelenskyy confirmed that the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia must begin on Monday.
On the night of May 11, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin held a press conference. He ignored the appeals for a ceasefire starting May 12.
Instead, Putin proposed to restart the talks in Istanbul after May 15, from the point where they were left off in 2022. He was going to speak on this matter with Erdoğan.
During the night of May 11, after the end of the Putin-set ceasefire, the Russian army launched 108 drones at Ukraine.
