Putin proposes direct negotiation with Ukraine in Türkiye, Zelensky indicates readiness for talks

China

Putin proposes direct negotiation with Ukraine in Türkiye, Zelensky indicates readiness for talks

2025-05-12 14:17 Last Updated At：16:57

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on Sunday morning that Russia and Ukraine resume direct negotiations in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Thursday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responding that he would be in Türkiye awaiting President Putin for the talks.

During a press conference on Sunday, Putin proposed the resumption of direct negotiations between the two countries, emphasizing that the peace talks will be "without any preconditions."

In response, Zelensky wrote in a social media post that the proposal was a "positive sign", but added that he "expects Russia to confirm a ceasefire" starting from Monday that is "complete, lasting and credible" to provide the necessary basis for diplomatic efforts.

Ukraine is ready to start negotiations in any form, Zelensky said, adding that he will visit Türkiye before Thursday and expects to meet with President Putin.

Before his statement, Ukraine had announced that they were ready to start a 30-day unconditional ceasefire from Monday. As of Sunday night, Russia has not responded to the announcement yet.

Russia and Ukraine have long disagreed on whether a ceasefire should precede negotiations. On Sunday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Putin's stance was clear that talks must adhere to the form of "first negotiations about the root causes [of the conflict], then talk of ceasefire."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this view, stating that only serious negotiations could lead to lasting peace. On Sunday, he criticized Ukraine's insistence on a ceasefire before talks as an attempt to avoid negotiations.

In response to Putin's proposal, the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of Türkiye released a statement on Sunday, saying that Turkish President Erdogan had a talk with President Putin over the phone. During the talk, Erdogan welcomed the proposal to resume peace talks, and said that "Türkiye stands ready to host the negotiations that will lead to a lasting solution," according to the statement.

"A window of opportunity to achieve peace has opened," and "a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace talks," said the statement.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

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