Vladimir Putin announced readiness for direct talks with Kyiv in Istanbul on May 15, but did not respond to Ukraine's 30-day ceasefire proposal. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, supported by European leaders and US President Trump, demanded an unconditional ceasefire starting May 12, threatening tougher sanctions if Russia refused. Despite a temporary ceasefire declared by Putin for Victory Day, fighting continued, with both sides blaming each other. Ukraine's Foreign Minister criticized the truce as a 'farce', while Putin accused Ukraine of escalating attacks. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)