Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday

Just hours after the visit of Merts, Macron, Tusk, and Starmer to Kyiv and the message from Europe to Moscow (a 30-day ceasefire or else new stricter sanctions will come), Putin proposed ‘direct’ and ‘unconditional’ negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on May 15th in Istanbul. By doing so, Vladimir Putin essentially rejected the Western ultimatum for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. “It wasn’t Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv. Nevertheless, we propose to Kyiv to resume direct negotiations without preconditions,” Putin stated to press representatives at the Kremlin. “We propose to the authorities in Kyiv to resume negotiations starting Thursday in Istanbul,” the strongman of the Kremlin announced, informing that he would speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the coming hours: “Tomorrow, I have a scheduled conversation with the President of Turkey, Erdogan. I want to ask him to provide such an opportunity for negotiations in Turkey, hoping that he will confirm his desire to contribute to the search for peace in Ukraine.” He noted, “We are determined to have serious negotiations with Ukraine. The aim is to eliminate the deeper causes of the conflict so that we can establish a long-term, lasting peace with historical perspective.” He added that during these negotiations, it might be possible to agree on a new ceasefire and a real truce that both Russia and Ukraine will respect. Despite ongoing military actions, Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions, Putin reiterated. French President Macron described Putin’s proposal as a first step but not enough. “An unconditional ceasefire does not precede negotiations,” Macron told reporters while descending from the train in Poland on his return from Kyiv, adding that Putin “is looking for a way out but continues to want to gain time.” Putin accused Kyiv of not responding to any of Russia’s ceasefire proposals and cited multiple attacks by Ukraine during declared ceasefires. Additionally, he criticized European states continuing to address Russia with ultimatums and expressed optimism about restoring relations eventually. Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defenses were attempting to repel a Russian aerial attack on Kyiv just as Putin proposed direct talks.