Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed proposals for peace talks with Russia in Istanbul from Thursday, saying his country is "ready to meet" Russian representatives.
After mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump and European leaders, Vladimir Putin suggested the warring countries meet to agree on a potential cease-fire.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders travelled to the Ukrainian capital to meet with Zelensky, where they threatened the Kremlin with fresh sanctions if Russia failed to comply with an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
Trump has said it was "a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine" and he would "work with both sides to make sure it happens".
Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed proposals for peace talks with Russia in Istanbul from Thursday, saying his country is 'ready to meet' Russian representatives
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Zelensky said: "It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war.
"The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.
"There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day.
"We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire - full, lasting, and reliable - starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet."