Direct Discussions in the Offing: Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Kyiv on May 15 in Istanbul
Discussion of a proposed dialogue between Putin and Kiev initiated by Putin.
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? Russia hasn't responded to Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, but surprise, surprise! Russian President Putin's got a plan up his sleeve instead. Negotiations may start as early as this Thursday in Istanbul, without any conditions.
Put the word out, folks! Vladimir Putin's proposed a sit-down between Russia and Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. According to Sunday's statements in the Kremlin, Russia's open for "serious negotiations without preconditions," and they're aiming to start 'em as soon as next Thursday. Now, these talks are designed to tackle the roots of the conflict, and Putin didn't blink when it came to the possibility of agreeing to a new ceasefire in these discussions.
In the past, Medvedev's had some strong words for Ukraine and their supporters. Just days ago, he told them to "shove peace plans up your ass." But Putin's nighttime remarks didn't mention the call for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine and their supporters, including US President Donald Trump, had made. Referring to the failed talks that took place shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin said, "It wasn't Russia that broke off the negotiations back then. It was Kyiv." He's set to chat with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan soon.
Remember, a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia in Ukraine bit the dust just a while ago. Putin called for a three-day ceasefire that kicked in at midnight on Wednesday, but Ukraine An accurate prediction, folks. Ukraine didn't agree to the ceasefire and is still pushing for a 30-day one. A US proposal also calls for a 30-day ceasefire. Putin accused the Ukrainian side of messing with several attempts at a ceasefire and didn't completely rule out extending the three-day ceasefire around May 9.
Previously, the Kremlin said it'd consider a 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposal. According to Russian state media, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin wanted to "think about" the demands presented by Kyiv's Western partners. Peskov also chatted with the US television station CNN about the "new development," but he cautioned against putting too much pressure on Moscow.
More than three years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and currently has about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory under its control. That includes the Crimea peninsula, which it annexed back in 2014.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/AFP/rts/dpa
- Attack on Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine
- Ceasefire
Current Developments
- Ukraine and Allies' Proposal: Ukraine and its allies, including the United States, France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, are pushing for a "full, unconditional ceasefire" for at least 30 days. Their aim is to pave the way for meaningful peace negotiations[1][3].
- European Union Support: The EU backs this proposal and stresses that it should be unconditional, prioritizing the foundation for meaningful peace talks. The EU also warns of further sanctions on Russia if it violates any ceasefire agreement[3].
- Russia's Response: Russia has spurned similar ceasefire proposals in the past, demanding conditions that align with its long-term goals in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has emphasized that any ceasefire must be beneficial for Russia, allowing it to recommence offensive operations at a later time[2].
In light of the new proposal from Putin in Istanbul, negotiations with Ukraine seem more imminent. However, Russia's reluctance to agree to unconditional ceasefires and its insistence on favorable conditions complicate the peace process. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!
- The proposed talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, as announced by Putin, aim for a discussion on economic and social cohesion, with the intention of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
- Russia has not responded directly to Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, but Putin's proposal for negotiations implies the possibility of agreeing to a new ceasefire during these discussions.
- In the past, Russia has rejected ceasefire proposals without preconditions, stating that any agreement must be beneficial for Russia and allow for the resumption of offensive operations later.
- The European Union supports the proposition of a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as a means of establishing a solid foundation for meaningful peace talks, but Russia's reluctance to agree to such terms complicates the peace process.
