Macron backs Zelenskyy: No talks with Russia amid airstrikes
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
A ceasefire is necessary to begin negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Dialogue is impossible while civilians are being shelled, according to French President Emmanuel Macron on X.
He emphasized that yesterday, May 10, in Kyiv, the Coalition of the Willing, together with US President Donald Trump, made a clear proposal: an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
Macron stressed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy committed to the proposal without setting any conditions. Now, a similarly clear response is expected from Russia.
"There can be no negotiations while weapons are speaking. There can be no dialogue if, at the same time, civilians are being bombed. A ceasefire is needed now, so that talks can begin. For peace," French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized.
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
On May 10, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing was held in Kyiv with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders — French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
After the meeting, the leaders held a call with US President Donald Trump, following which Ukraine announced its readiness for a complete ceasefire for at least 30 days starting May 12.
A response from Russia on the ceasefire is now awaited. However, European leaders confirmed their readiness to strengthen sanctions should Russia refuse.
Still, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin effectively ignored the initiative. He instead proposed to resume direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15 — without any preconditions. The Russian side clarified that it seeks negotiations based on the 2022 framework and taking into account the "situation on the ground."
In response, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks once Moscow agrees to a ceasefire.
