Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to meet Russia only if ceasefire agreed9 hours ago Share Save Jamie Whitehead & Anna Lamche BBC News Share SaveGetty ImagesVolodymyr Zelensky said it was a "positive sign" that Russia was considering ending the war in Ukraine after Russia offered "direct talks" this coming Thursday. His comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to take part in "serious negotiations" in a late-night address. But the Ukrainian president said: "We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire - complete, lasting and credible - starting tomorrow, 12 May, and Ukraine is ready to meet." Moscow has previously said that before Russia could consider a ceasefire, the West must first halt its military aid to Ukraine. Another ceasefire Putin flagged was one he ordered in April to coincide with World War Two commemorations.