Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting Istanbul as the venue for the talks, according to a televised statement delivered on Sunday. The initiative comes amid increasing international pressure, with European leaders and the United States pushing Moscow for a 30-day ceasefire to halt the ongoing conflict.
Putin proposed that the discussions commence on May 15 in Istanbul, emphasizing that they should be conducted without any preconditions. He expressed Russia’s willingness for serious dialogue with Ukraine to address the root causes of the conflict and establish lasting peace.
The Russian leader’s announcement follows a demonstration of European solidarity with Ukraine, as the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. These European leaders, backed by the United States, called for Russia to agree to a temporary ceasefire or face severe sanctions. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the unified stance after a joint phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Shortly after Putin’s proposal, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a "potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine," and pledged to work with both nations to ensure the ceasefire becomes a reality. The U.S. president also highlighted the potential for saving "hundreds of thousands of lives" if the fighting stops.
Despite the diplomatic push, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about external pressure on Russia, asserting that Europe is taking an openly confrontational approach. While he acknowledged Russia’s support for the ceasefire idea in principle, Peskov mentioned there were unresolved issues that needed to be addressed.
Russia and Ukraine have not engaged in direct talks since the early stages of Moscow’s invasion in 2022. Putin indicated he would consult Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on facilitating negotiations with Kyiv.
Ukraine has consistently advocated for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, a position supported by its European allies and Trump. However, Russia has hesitated, citing unspecified "nuances" that require further discussion.
Putin denied accusations that Russia has refused dialogue with Kyiv, maintaining that the decision now rests with the Ukrainian government. He characterized the proposed talks as a preliminary step toward durable peace, but warned against any scenario where the ceasefire is used to rearm Ukrainian forces.
The Kremlin has frequently pointed to NATO’s eastward expansion as a core issue behind the conflict. On Thursday, Trump warned that if the ceasefire is breached, the U.S. and its allies would impose additional sanctions on Russia.
While the Trump administration has made diplomatic efforts, including multiple visits to Moscow by special envoy Steve Witkoff, progress on securing a ceasefire has been slow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously cautioned that Washington could abandon the negotiations without concrete results.
Peskov acknowledged U.S. mediation but described pressure tactics as "useless," underscoring the ongoing diplomatic challenges in resolving the conflict.
