Putin Proposes Talks with Kyiv in Istanbul, Overriding Ukraine's Ceasefire Demand
Discussions initiated by Putin for direct negotiations with Kiev
Brush off a 30-day ceasefire ultimatum from Ukraine's allies and Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests direct discussions with Ukraine, potentially starting on May 15 in Istanbul. No preconditions, he insists.
In a curious turn of events, Putin counters Ukraine and its supporters' demand for a 30-day ceasefire, which started May 12 with the support of US President Donald Trump, and threatened "massive" new sanctions if refused. Instead, Putin eyes negotiations without conditions in Istanbul as early as next Thursday.
Putin's proposed negotiations aim to address the "deep causes" of the conflict. He implies the possibility of reaching an agreement on a new ceasefire during these talks. "It's not out of the question," he says.
Previously squabbling over a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, Putin accused Ukraine of sabotaging several attempts at a ceasefire. Although he didn't completely eliminate the idea of extending the three-day ceasefire around May 9, he didn't emphasize it either.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov considered the international pressure as unnecessary. In an interview with CNN, he stated that it's futile to press Moscow regarding the Ukraine ceasefire proposal.
The proposed talks mark a noteworthy development given Russia's prior control over about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory since its invasion in 2022, seizing the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed in 2014.
- ntv.de
- mau/AFP/rts/dpa
- Attack on Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine
- Ceasefire
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Mediated Negotiations
- Sabotaged Ceasefire Initiatives
- International Pressure
- Sanctions and Military Support for Ukraine
- In a significant shift of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed mediated negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, disregarding Ukraine's demand for a ceasefire.
- Putin's proposed negotiations aim to address the 'deep causes' of the ongoing conflict and hold the potential for reaching an agreement on a new ceasefire.
- The international community has been applying pressure on Russia regarding the Ukraine ceasefire proposal, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov considers such pressure as unnecessary.
- This development in Istanbul comes amidst historical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia holding about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory since its invasion in 2022 and annexing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
