President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian shelling and assaults continue despite plans for a meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye on 15 May.

Source:Zelenskyy during his evening address

Quote: "Unfortunately, the world still has not received a clear response from Russia to the numerous proposals for a ceasefire. Russian shelling and assaults continue.

Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the proposal for a direct meeting. A very strange silence. One way or another, Russia will have to end this war – and the sooner, the better. There is no sense in continuing the killing."

Background:

• Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said in a statement on 11 May that he is ready for "direct talks" with Kyiv in Istanbul on Thursday 15 May, but made no mention of the 30-day ceasefire.
• On 11 May, US President Donald Trump publicly called on Ukraine to accept Russia's proposal for direct negotiations in Istanbul on 15 May, despite the Kremlin's refusal to agree to the 30-day ceasefire demanded by Kyiv and its Western allies.
• Zelenskyy has said he is ready to talk to the Russian leader in person on Thursday in Istanbul.
• On Monday, Trump said he believes the upcoming talks between Russia and Ukraine could be productive and suggested he could fly there if it would be useful.
• Zelenskyy tweeted that it is important for Ukraine for Trump to be there at the meeting.

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