President Zelenskyy calls for global pressure on Moscow and proposes Vatican, Turkiye, or Switzerland as venues for direct peace talks with Russian leadership.
Kyiv [Ukraine], May 20:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to a “full and unconditional ceasefire” with Russia, urging direct negotiations and global unity to end the devastating war. His comments came after back-to-back calls with US President Donald Trump and key European leaders.
“Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as discussed with the United States. If Russia is not prepared to stop the killings, then stronger sanctions must follow,” Zelenskyy said in a powerful message shared on X.
Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine is willing to negotiate “in any format that brings results”, citing Turkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland as potential venues for peace talks. He emphasized that real pressure on Russia is the only path to lasting peace and that the international community must not “dilute” the ceasefire initiative.
“The World Is Watching”: Zelenskyy Calls for Decisive Global Action
Zelenskyy underscored the importance of unity and leadership at a defining moment for the global order, warning that any distancing by the United States from the negotiation process would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“This is a defining moment. The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a ceasefire and achieving real, lasting peace,” he said, following his joint call with President Trump and top European figures.
The Ukrainian President also held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing the need for their continued diplomatic support and participation in the negotiation process.
“We Are Ready, Are They?”: Zelenskyy on Direct Talks with Russia
Zelenskyy made a direct appeal for mirrored readiness from Moscow to begin meaningful discussions, reiterating Ukraine’s preparedness to sit at the negotiation table with real intent.
“It is not necessary to convince Ukraine. Our representatives are prepared to make real decisions. What’s needed now is for Russia to show the same willingness,” he stated.
He urged for both American and European envoys to be part of the process to ensure balance and transparency, insisting that every proposal must receive “an honest evaluation.”
Trump’s Announcement and Vatican’s Offer to Host Talks
This diplomatic momentum follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin negotiations, with the Vatican offering to host the dialogue after previous ceasefire talks in Istanbul collapsed, despite partial agreements such as prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy’s public address signals a significant pivot toward diplomacy, as Ukraine seeks to anchor global consensus and move toward a resolution for a war that has cost thousands of lives and destabilized Europe.