Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky evaluated Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a meeting as a "positive signal." However, he maintained that a ceasefire must be achieved within 30 days before the meeting.
President Zelensky stated on the 11th (local time) via X (formerly Twitter) that "the fact that Russia is beginning to think about ending the war is a positive signal" and noted, "the whole world has been waiting for this moment for a very long time."
President Putin previously proposed to negotiate in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 15th. Negotiations took place in Istanbul with Turkey's mediation a month after the war began in March 2022, but they ultimately failed. This proposal is significant as it seeks to resume the negotiations that collapsed at that time.
However, Ukraine insists that a ceasefire must be established before negotiations. President Zelensky said, "The first step to genuinely ending the war is a ceasefire" and added, "There is no meaning in continuing the war for even a day."
He further added, "I hope that Russia decides on a complete and reliable ceasefire."
European countries suggested that Russia's proposal for negotiations is a countermeasure to respond to international pressure, urging for a prompt ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with reporters the day before on his way back from Ukraine and stated that "Russia is showing signs of wanting to engage in negotiations," although he noted that "there is still an intention to buy time."
He added, "Negotiations are unacceptable in a situation where bombings are taking place," and noted, "We can discuss the rest after a ceasefire."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also said, "I expect Moscow to agree to a ceasefire immediately," and stated that "serious dialogue will be possible afterward."