Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct negotiations with Ukraine to conclude the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed this initiative, stating that Kyiv is open to discussions but emphasised that Moscow must first agree to a ceasefire.
Putin’s suggestion for direct conversations with Ukraine emerged shortly after key European nations insisted in Kyiv on Saturday that he must accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or risk facing “massive” new sanctions.
As Russian forces continue to advance, the Kremlin leader has offered little to no concessions thus far. However, he proposed holding talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, stating that these discussions would take place without preconditions and are focused on achieving lasting peace.
“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,”
In a televised address from the Kremlin that started shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday (2230 GMT) Saturday).
“We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.”
Furthermore, Putin rejected what he described as attempts by certain European powers to impose “ultimatums. ” He indicated that he does not exclude the possibility that in his proposed discussions in Turkey, both parties could reach an agreement on “some new truces, a new ceasefire,” which would serve as the first step toward a “sustainable” peace.
What role might Turkey play in new negotiations?
Putin emphasised the need for talks to focus on the underlying causes of the war. He mentioned that he would discuss with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan later on Sunday ways to facilitate these discussions, which he suggested might result in a ceasefire.
“Our proposal, as they say, is on the table. The decision is now up to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who are guided, it seems, by their personal political ambitions, and not by the interests of their peoples.”
How did Zelenskiy respond to Putin’s invitation?
In response, Zelenskiy stated in a statement on X it was “a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war” but “the very first step in truly ending any war is 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.
It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 11, 2025
There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single…
What did the US president say regarding talks?
Moreover, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Russia and Ukraine could experience a wonderful day if the “bloodbath” of the war ceased.
“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!”
Trump said on Truth Social.
“Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never-ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end.”
How is French President Emmanuel Macron reacting to Putin’s outreach?
On the other hand, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Putin’s suggestion for direct peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv indicates the Russian leader is searching for a path ahead, yet he is also attempting to buy time.
“It’s a first step, but it’s not enough,”
Macron told journalists on his way back from Kyiv early on Sunday.
“An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations.”
Can any truce hold amid ongoing drone strikes?
Putin noted that Russia had suggested multiple ceasefires, such as a halt to attacks on energy facilities, an Easter truce, and most recently, a 72-hour ceasefire coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War Two.
He claimed that during the ceasefire in May, Ukraine launched 524 aerial drones, 45 sea drones, and several Western missiles against Russia, which managed to fend off five assaults on its regions. Conversely, Ukraine accused Russia of breaching temporary truces, including the one from May 8-10.
Despite Putin’s request for peace negotiations, Russia executed a drone strike on Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine on Sunday, causing injuries to one individual near the Ukrainian capital and damaging multiple private residences, according to Ukrainian officials.
What conditions has Russia set for lasting peace?
Previously, in June 2024, he stated that Ukraine should formally abandon its NATO aspirations and pull back its military forces from all four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia. Russian officials have additionally suggested that the U.S. acknowledge Russia’s authority over certain areas of Ukraine and insisted that Ukraine maintain its neutrality. However, Moscow has expressed that it does not object to Kyiv’s goals of joining the European Union.
