Moscow—President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s willingness to restart direct negotiations with Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict, proposing that talks commence on May 15 in Turkey. He stated he would speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan later that day to finalize arrangements for the discussions in Istanbul, emphasizing that Russia would not impose any preconditions. Putin accused Ukraine of previously undermining such negotiations and breaking ceasefire agreements, while asserting that both sides have been culpable for violations during the last three ceasefires.
Putin’s remarks coincided with the final day of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, following a call from leaders of the UK, France, Poland, and Germany, urging for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to begin on Monday. They made this demand alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a memorial event in Kyiv, with support from over 30 nations. U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed on this proposal, with calls for immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate peace talks aimed at resolving the war that has persisted for over three years.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, highlighted the potential for a ceasefire to mark the beginning of the end of the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, echoing Trump’s sentiment to “stop the killing now.” Putin has previously stated his conditions for peace, including Ukraine withdrawing from the illegally annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson and promising not to join NATO. He also expressed confidence in Russia’s resources to continue the conflict, while hoping to avoid nuclear escalation.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
