Europe

Kellogg: No Ukraine talks without 30-day ceasefire first

Nation

11 May 2025, 05:55 PM

Author: Demian Shevko
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg dismissed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s recent call for direct peace talks in Istanbul, saying any negotiations must be preceded by a full and unconditional ceasefire.

"As President Trump has repeatedly said, stop the killing!! An unconditional 30 day ceasefire first and, during it, move into comprehensive peace discussions. Not the other way around.," Kellogg posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 11.

Kellogg sarcastically added that "even the Prime Minister of New Zealand gets it," referencing a statement from New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who voiced support for a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine, beginning with a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.”

Putin had proposed that Ukraine and Russia resume direct negotiations “without any preconditions” on May 15 in Istanbul. The Kremlin claimed it has "repeatedly proposed steps toward a ceasefire" and "never refused dialogue" with Ukraine.

However, in his remarks, Putin notably avoided any mention of the “Coalition of the Willing” initiative — a Western-backed push for a 30-day ceasefire starting May 12. He said he was waiting on a response to his proposal from both Kyiv and its “Western patrons.”

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