Moscow, May 11 (H.S.): Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an invitation to Ukraine for direct talks scheduled for 15 May, following pressure from European leaders for a 30-day ceasefire. In a televised address from the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that Russia is interested in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a durable peace.

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv, joined by leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, to urge Russia for an unconditional ceasefire starting Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested Moscow would consider this but cautioned that pressure tactics are ineffective. Putin mentioned the talks could potentially lead to a new truce, although he did not specifically address the ceasefire request. He proposed Istanbul as the location for the discussions and planned to consult with Turkey’s President Erdogan.

Meanwhile, Kyiv has not yet responded to the invitation. The visiting leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warned of new and massive sanctions against Russia’s energy and banking sectors if a ceasefire is not agreed upon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar