Putin Proposes Direct Peace Talks with Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
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On May 10, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine, offering a meeting in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions. Putin claimed that negotiations were previously broken off by Kyiv in 2022 despite the development of a joint draft agreement, which he alleged was abandoned under Western influence. Emphasizing Russia’s readiness for serious discussions, Putin stated that the aim is to address the root causes of the conflict and establish long-term peace. He also noted that Russia is open to considering new truces and a real ceasefire during these proposed talks. Putin criticized the Ukrainian authorities and their Western “curators” for prioritizing political ambitions over peace and accused Kyiv of rejecting multiple Russian ceasefire proposals, including making five attacks during a recent three-day ceasefire. He concluded by asserting that those genuinely seeking peace should support Russia’s call for renewed negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded cautiously to Putin’s proposal, emphasizing the necessity of a full and lasting ceasefire before talks commence. He urged Russia to implement such a ceasefire starting May 12. Zelenskiy stated that a genuine commitment to peace must start with a reliable and lasting ceasefire. Ukraine’s top officials echoed this sentiment, stressing that Russia must cease all hostilities and signaling distrust over Moscow’s intentions.
The Kremlin announced that any proposed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would incorporate elements from a 2022 draft agreement and acknowledge current territorial realities, with Russia controlling nearly 20% of Ukraine. The original 2022 “Istanbul Communique,” formulated during early post-invasion talks, outlined Ukraine’s potential permanent neutrality and renunciation of NATO membership in exchange for international security guarantees from major powers, including the five UN Security Council permanent members. The draft also suggested EU membership facilitation for Ukraine and proposed limitations on Ukraine’s military and language laws contested by Moscow. The major stumbling block was the security guarantees, which would potentially involve the U.S. and allies directly in any future conflicts.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Turkey is prepared to host negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at securing a ceasefire and lasting peace. The conversation followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks in Istanbul, highlighting a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war. Erdogan stated this moment should be seized and reiterated Turkey’s readiness to contribute, including offering to host the talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the proposed talks, viewing the development as a potentially transformative moment. Trump stated, “I have a message for both parties: Get this war ended,” urging both sides to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. He emphasized the importance of ending the conflict and expressed hope that both Ukraine and Russia would agree to the proposed ceasefire.
Despite the proposed ceasefire, fighting continues, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of violating the truce. Russia claimed that fighting had been taking place in four regions of Ukraine despite this week’s unilateral ceasefire by Moscow, saying its troops had been forced to respond to Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine says Russia has continued to attack it and has called the ceasefire a farce. It did not join the truce but is calling instead for a 30-day ceasefire that U.S. President Donald Trump is urging the warring sides to agree.
As the proposed date for talks approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a lasting resolution to the conflict.
