Kyiv, May 19 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" with Russia, emphasising the need for direct negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, following calls with US President Donald Trump and European leaders on Monday (local time).

In a post on X, Zelenskyy stressed that pressure on Russia, including stronger sanctions, was essential in achieving lasting peace.

"At the beginning of our bilateral conversation, I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as has spoken about, particularly the United States. It is important not to dilute this proposal. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger s...