Early Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country’s readiness to restart direct negotiations with Ukraine to end their ongoing conflict, proposing that talks commence on May 15 in Turkey, without any preconditions from Russia. He criticized Ukraine for previously abandoning negotiations and violating ceasefires, while acknowledging that both sides were responsible for the breakdown during the last three ceasefires. Putin expressed a desire for substantive discussions that would lead to a lasting peace.
His remarks surfaced on the final day of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, shortly before leaders from the UK, France, Poland, and Germany threatened to impose further sanctions if Russia did not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting the next day. This demand was made during a news briefing that included over 30 allied nations supporting Ukraine. These leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a commemorative event for fallen soldiers in Kyiv.
The proposed ceasefire, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to halt all hostilities on land, sea, and air, facilitating conditions for peace talks to conclude the protracted war. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg emphasized that such a ceasefire could initiate the process to end Europe’s longest conflict since World War II, quoting Trump’s call to “stop the killing now.”
Previously, Putin insisted that Ukraine withdraw from four annexed regions and implement restrictions on its military capabilities while promising not to join NATO. Despite expressing confidence in Russian military strength, he indicated a preference to avoid utilizing nuclear weapons in the conflict.
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