May 15: Putin's Unyielding Proposal for Talks with Kyiv in Istanbul
Discussions proposed by Putin for direct dialogue with Kiev
In a brazen move on May 15, Putin proposes face-to-face negotiations with Ukraine, right here in Istanbul. This eyebrow-raising proposition flies in the face of an ultimatum issued by Ukraine and allies, pushing for a 30-day no-strings-attached truce, which Russia has yet to respond to. Instead of playing along, Putin delivers a counterblow.
According to the Russian president, these unfiltered discussions devoid of preconditions could kick off as early as next Thursday. He expressed optimism that these negotiations might bring about an agreement on a fresh ceasefire, as well as address the underlying triggers of the conflict.
While the world watches, Putin appears unfazed by the joint plea from Ukraine, its supporters, and the US president, Donald Trump, for a 30-day ceasefire, starting May 12, with the looming threat of sanctions should Russia refuse. In his late-night address, Putin steered clear of mentioning this call to arms, instead focusing on his proposal for direct talks.
Looking back, Putin reminds us that it wasn't Russia that bailed on earlier negotiations in 2022. Instead, he points the finger at Kyiv, emphasizing that his team's proposal remains on the table, leaving the decision-making power in the hands of the Ukrainian authorities, who, it seems, are driven more by political ambitions than the wellbeing of their people.
In the coming hours, Putin is slated to chat with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an effort to facilitate these forthcoming discussions. But let's not forget, more than three years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, a move that culminated in Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/AFP/rts/dpa
- Attack on Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine
- Ceasefire
- Vladimir Putin has proposed a community policy with Ukraine for negotiations, set to occur in Istanbul, disregarding the 30-day truce requested without conditions by Ukraine, their allies, and the US president.
- Putin's proposal for unfiltered discussions with Kyiv includes agreement on a new ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict, scheduled for next Thursday.
- Amidst the international pressure for an immediate ceasefire beginning May 12, Putin focused on his proposal for direct talks in his late-night address, rather than addressing the joint call from Ukraine, its supporters, and Donald Trump.
- Despite invading Ukraine and seizing control over one-fifth of its territory three years ago, culminating in the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Putin will converse with Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aiming to facilitate the upcoming negotiations.
