On May 15, Putin Suggests Straight-Up Chats with Ukraine in Istanbul
Discussions initiative by Putin for direct dialogue with Kiev
Grab a seat, this could get interesting. The Ukrainians and their pals haven't gotten a peep from Mother Russia concerning their plea for a 30-day truce. Instead, Old Putin's thrown a curveball. He's suggesting colloquy, yep, you heard it right - talks, baby! That's set to go down as early as Thursday in Istanbul, with no frills attached.
Russian strongman, Vladimir Putin, has floated the idea of face-to-face talks between his regime and Ukraine, slated for May 15 in Istanbul. Ready for some serious hashing out, Putin proposes starting the gabfest "as early as next Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul," he told the press on Sunday from the Kremlin. The objective here is to "root out the underlying issues causing the ruckus," he added, and he didn't pull any punches about striking a new truce during these discussions.
Politics gets a little dicey, doesn't it?
Addressing the Ukraine's authorities and their cheerleaders, Putin recalled an episode from 2022 when negotiations fell flat. Not Russia that bailed last time. It was Kyiv, he said, then added, "We've got a seat at the table; the ball's in their court." Eager for a chinwag with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Putin's gonna gab with him soon.
Earlier, a ceasefire that lasted three days bit the dust. Putin unilaterally called for a three-day ceasefire in Moscow, which kicked off at midnight on Wednesday. Ukraine wasn't feeling it and wants a 30-day ceasefire instead. A US suggestion also backs that idea. Putin chuckled about Ukraine tanking several attempts at a ceasefire, but he didn't reject the idea of prolonging the truce around May 9.
So far, the Kremlin hasn't extended a limb about the 30-day ceasefire—no handshakes yet. According to Russian state media, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov is taking a gander at the proposition presented by Kyiv's allies. He gave CNN the lowdown on this latest development, but reminded folks that pounding on Moscow ain't gonna get 'em nowhere.
Go back a few years, and you'll find Russia muscling into Ukraine's turf, taking control of around one-fifth of their land, including the Crimea peninsula, which it snagged in 2014.
Source: ntv.de, mau/AFP/rts/dpa
- Putin-Ukraine Tussle
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine-Ceasefire
Enriching the Article:
- Putin's previous attempts at talks: During the haven meeting in Istanbul, the parties were unable to reach a consensus on a ceasefire, and the discussions ended without an agreement[1].
- Kyiv's priorities and concerns: The Ukrainian government is pressing for a 30-day truce to ensure its territorial integrity, as well as to address humanitarian issues and the need for a lasting peace[1].
- International support for the truce: The US and European leaders have backed the Ukrainian call for a ceasefire, warning Russia of imposing sanctions if it does not comply with the request[1].
- The proposed community policy between Putin and Ukraine, centered around the free movement of workers and freedom of movement, is set to unfold in Istanbul on May 15, aiming to root out the underlying issues causing the war-and-conflicts.
- Previously, in 2022, attempts at talks between the two parties in Istanbul fell apart, with Kyiv bailing on the negotiation, as recalled by Putin.
- On Wednesday, a ceasefire, initially proposed by Putin for three days, collapsed, with Ukraine demanding a longer 30-day truce, an idea that is also backed by the US.
- As of now, the Kremlin has yet to agree to the 30-day ceasefire, with Russian state media indicating that discussions regarding the proposed truce are still underway.
- Putin-Ukraine Tussle
- Vladimir Putin, Previous Attempts at Talks
- Ukraine-Ceasefire, Priorities and Concerns
- International Support for the Truce, Sanctions Threats
