Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in an effort to end the ongoing conflict, a proposal welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who insisted that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire for meaningful negotiations to begin.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and intensified tensions with the West, Putin’s offer marks a rare initiative for peace. However, the Kremlin leader, who has made limited concessions, emphasized that the talks would be held without preconditions in Istanbul on May 15.
Putin addressed the nation early Sunday, stating, “We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions. We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.”
In response, Zelenskiy expressed cautious optimism but stressed that the first step toward peace must be a ceasefire. “We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” he said in a social media post.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for an end to the war, welcomed the possibility of peace, calling it “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.” He emphasized the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives by halting the bloodshed.
The peace proposal comes just hours after European leaders pressed Putin to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or face severe sanctions. Putin dismissed these demands as “ultimatums” and suggested that negotiations could involve further ceasefires as part of a sustainable peace process.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the significance of Putin’s offer but argued that it was insufficient without an unconditional ceasefire. “It’s a first step but it’s not enough,” Macron said, adding that true peace could only begin with a ceasefire, not negotiations.
Despite the diplomatic discussions, Russia launched another drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas, injuring one person and damaging several homes. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of violating previous ceasefire agreements, including the recent May 8-10 truce.
Putin’s call for peace talks also included a plea for international mediation, and he plans to speak with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan later Sunday to discuss facilitating the talks, which he hopes could lead to a ceasefire.
“We are ready to negotiate without any preconditions,” Putin reiterated, accusing Kyiv of abandoning negotiations in 2022. He also acknowledged the mediation efforts by countries like China, Brazil, and several African and Middle Eastern states.
Although Putin’s proposal signals a shift in rhetoric, his demands for Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions and withdraw troops from regions claimed by Russia remain central to his stance. Kyiv and its Western allies have consistently rejected these terms, framing Russia’s invasion as an imperialistic land grab.
As the conflict continues, the outcome of the proposed talks remains uncertain, but they mark a significant development in the long-running war between Russia and Ukraine.
