Photo : AP Photo
Photo : AP Photo
Efforts to reach a 30-day ceasefire: Putin calls for long-term lasting peace; Zelenskyy wants a reliable ceasefire
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 12 May, Russia launched 108 drones at Ukraine overnight, with the Ukrainian Air Force confirming the interception of 55 of them. The attack included 30 stimulator drones that were lost during the assault without causing damage. The drone strikes resulted in one injury and damage to residential buildings in the southern Odesa region. Additionally, Ukraine's state railway company reported that two other individuals were injured in the Donetsk region due to the attacks.
On 12 May, Zelenskyy held his first phone conversation with newly elected Pope Leo XIV discussing key issues such as Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and the proposed 30-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy invited him to make an official visit to Ukraine, saying such a visit would offer hope to the Ukrainians.
On 12 May, China’s foreign ministry called for a "binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties" to bring an end to the war. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's support for peace efforts. However, tensions remain between Kyiv and Beijing, with Zelenskyy previously accusing China of aiding Russia’s war efforts. In April, Ukraine claimed to have captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces, and Zelenskyy alleged that around 155 Chinese citizens were involved in combat against Ukraine—claims that China has firmly denied.
On 12 May, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that US President Donald Trump would attend upcoming peace talks with Russia scheduled in Istanbul. Zelenskyy confirmed his personal attendance, the Kremlin has not disclosed whether Putin or any specific Russian official will participate. Trump has said he may join if he believes it would be helpful, depending on his Middle East schedule. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged all parties to seize the momentum for peace, following recent diplomatic engagements.
On 11 May, Deutsche Welle reported on the expiry of Russia's self-declared three-day ceasefire, intended to mark the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory. Although Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported continued Russian assaults and aerial bombings along the front lines and border regions. The shelling resulted in the death of three and injury of four in Sumy region, while a drone strike in Kherson claimed another.
On 11 May, Ukraine’s military reported on Russia’s drone attack on Kyiv, making Ukraine's air defence units to respond swiftly. Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, urged residents to take shelter as air raid alerts were issued and Kyiv's City Military Administration confirmed active engagement with drones in the outskirts. According to Ukraine's air force, over 100 Russian drones were launched overnight, targeting Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. The renewed attacks come after Russia rejected the 30-day ceasefire and proposed direct talks with Ukraine.
On 11 May, in response to the direct talk proposal, Zelenskyy emphasized that a full and reliable ceasefire must come first. He called Russia's willingness to consider ending the war a "positive sign" but stressed that the initial step toward peace must be halting hostilities. He urged Russia to confirm a ceasefire beginning 12 May, as a clear condition for any negotiations to proceed. He also expressed willingness to meet Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for peace talks, but stressed that a full and lasting ceasefire must begin by 12 May to lay the groundwork for diplomacy.
On 10 May, during the meeting organised by Ukraine in Kyiv, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland reaffirmed their strong support, highlighting the unity between European and US allies. The meeting ended in an agreement to impose heavy sanctions on Russia unless Moscow agrees to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which is also supported by the US. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Putin to demonstrate seriousness about peace by extending the three-day ceasefire into a full, unconditional pause in hostilities. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the rare unity among Ukraine's allies, which was earlier strained since Trump. Tusk noted that for the first time there was unity. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism, saying the ceasefire proposal gives "a small chance" to end the war, with the US now backing the plan. France’s President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country's commitment to supporting Ukraine both financially and militarily, ensuring Ukraine has the security guarantees and military capabilities needed for a "robust and lasting peace."
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 12 May, the Kremlin emphasized its commitment to pursue a lasting peaceful resolution to the war. Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow was engaged in a "serious search" for a settlement and criticized the EU's ceasefire ultimatums, calling them "unacceptable" and asserting that such language is inappropriate when dealing with Russia. He emphasized that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin's offer to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, without preconditions, remains on the table. While Russia is open to the idea of a truce, Peskov highlighted concerns, such as ensuring that Ukraine does not use a ceasefire to regroup and continue mobilizing its forces. He reiterated Moscow’s commitment to finding a long-term peace settlement through direct talks in Istanbul, focusing on addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
On 11 May, Putin proposed resumption of direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. This was an effort for a lasting resolution and to address the root causes of the war. He argued that those genuinely seeking peace should support the idea and plans to discuss the initiative with Turkey’s President Erdogan. Although Putin did not respond to a separate call by Ukraine and four key Western allies—France, the UK, Germany, and Poland—for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, warning of increased sanctions if Russia refuses.
On the same day, Russia’s defence ministry claimed that Ukraine violated Moscow’s three-day unilateral ceasefire over 14,000 times, including five attempts to breach Russia’s southern border in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. The ceasefire was declared by President Putin to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which was not recognized by Ukraine.
On 10 May, Russia firmly rejected the pressure from Ukraine’s Western allies, including the threat of additional sanctions during the meeting in Kyiv. President’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the sanctions threats, calling them ineffective and saying that Russia had grown accustomed to sanctions. Peskov added that Russia already has plans in place to mitigate their effects. He further stated that Moscow would not be intimidated by the West, suggesting that Ukraine and its allies are growing increasingly nervous.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 May, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks focusing on advancing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. While no additional information was given, the reported stated Zelenskyy’s suggestion to hold a meeting with Putin in Turkey to explore the potential for a ceasefire.
On the same day, Germany’s government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius warned that if no agreement is reached by the day, the EU will move forward with additional sanctions. He emphasized that preparations for new measures are underway should Russia refuse the terms. In response, the Kremlin rejected the pressure. Meanwhile, France confirmed that European leaders have tasked the European Commission with drafting a new round of heavy sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and financial sectors, as the EU prepares its 17th sanctions package for potential adoption on 20 May.
On 12 May, UK’s Defence Minister David Lammy urged Putin to take peace efforts seriously and engage in negotiations. He called it a critical moment for a ceasefire and diplomatic talks. Lammy noted that European leaders are prepared for the possibility that Putin may not be ready for meaningful dialogue. On the same, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius called for deeper defence collaboration between the EU and Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for increased production and innovation. Speaking at a defence industry forum in Brussels, Kubilius announced the launch of an EU-Ukraine task force aimed at integrating defence industries and supporting joint projects and procurement. Highlighting Ukraine's advancements in drone technology and artificial intelligence, he noted their potential to boost Europe's own defence capabilities. Kubilius also stressed that Ukraine will play a central role in shaping the future European security framework.
On 12 May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls with UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reaffirm US’s position on the war. During his conversation with Lammy, Rubio emphasized that the US's top priority would be securing an immediate ceasefire. During his call with Merz, they discussed on the meeting in Kyiv between Merz, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, UK’s Prime Minister Starmer, Poland’s Prime Minister Tusk, and Zelenskyy, agreeing on their shared goal of ending the war.
On 11 May, US President Donald Trump announced that he will continue to help end the war in Ukraine, calling it a "never ending bloodbath" and hinting at major developments ahead. He described the coming days as a “BIG week” and suggested a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.” However, he did not provide details but emphasized that the US should shift its focus to rebuilding and trade. He also expressed doubt on Ukraine reaching a deal with Russia. He urged Ukraine to meet Russian officials in Turkey to discuss ending the war. Trump posted on Truth Social, stated that while Putin wants talks, he is not interested in a ceasefire, and suggested that Ukraine should seize the opportunity to assess if a deal is possible.
On 11 May, France’s President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine as insufficient. He insisted that any ceasefire must be unconditional and not preceded by negotiations. This comes after a meeting with Zelenskyy along with leaders from Germany, the UK, and Poland. Macron said Putin appeared to be stalling for time while continuing attacks. He stressed that Ukraine cannot be expected to negotiate under bombardment.
On 11 May, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to Macron that Turkey was ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, aiming for a ceasefire and lasting peace. Erdogan emphasized that the situation had reached a "historic turning point" in efforts to end the conflict.