Putin Proposes Fresh Talks with Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Calls

Direct Negotiations Suggested by Putin

Moscow: On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested initiating direct discussions with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, shortly after Kyiv and European leaders advocated for an unconditional ceasefire lasting 30 days starting Monday.

In his statement, delivered post 1 a.m. from the Kremlin, Putin did not specifically respond to the ceasefire request but instead proposed resuming negotiations that Ukraine had previously halted in 2022.

He stated, “We invite the Kyiv authorities to restart the talks they abandoned, and I stress, without any preconditions.”

During a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday, leaders from Ukraine, Britain, France, Germany, and Poland warned Moscow of potential new sanctions and military support for Ukraine if they did not comply with the ceasefire proposal.

Initial negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives took place in Istanbul during the early days of the conflict but failed to yield an agreement to cease hostilities, which have continued unabated.

Putin expressed a desire to commence negotiations without delay on May 15 in Istanbul, mentioning plans to consult with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for assistance in facilitating these discussions.

He emphasized his commitment to serious negotiations aimed at addressing the underlying issues of the conflict and establishing a sustainable peace.

Russia's references to the 'root causes' of the conflict often highlight grievances against Kyiv and the West, which Moscow cites as justification for its military actions initiated in February 2022.

These grievances include claims to 'de-Nazify' Ukraine, safeguard Russian-speaking populations in the eastern regions, counter NATO's expansion, and halt Ukraine's shift towards the West.

Both Kyiv and Western nations have dismissed these claims, asserting that Russia's actions represent an imperialistic land grab.

Since the onset of the war, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced from their homes.

Putin did not directly address the recent ceasefire proposal in his remarks on Saturday, although Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated to CNN that Moscow would need to evaluate it.

A unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany ended on Saturday, with Ukraine reporting multiple violations by Russian forces.

Putin remarked, “We do not rule out that during these discussions, we might reach an agreement on a new ceasefire.”

He also accused Ukraine's Western allies of wanting to prolong the conflict with Russia and criticized European 'ultimatums' and 'anti-Russian rhetoric' without specifically mentioning the proposed 30-day ceasefire.