Russia's President Putin is urging for a direct dialogue with Ukraine, yet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his allies are insisting on a 30-day truce, commencing from Monday.
In a bold new move, Russia's president is offering fresh peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, proposing "direct negotiations" without any preconditions—a suggestion that comes as European leaders threaten Moscow with more sanctions if Russia fails to comply with an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
Vladimir Putin put forth this proposal on the heels of Donald Trump's call for "ideally" a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow and his warning that should any truce not be respected, "the US and its partners will impose further sanctions."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN that Moscow will need to consider the terms. In an early Sunday morning post on Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote, "There's a big week upcoming... I hope to resolve the never-ending bloodbath and save hundreds of thousands of lives."
The US president did not mention the proposed ceasefire or Putin's planned talks but stated that he would work with Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict, focusing instead on rebuilding and trade. European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, are unwavering in their stance on the ceasefire, with Sir Keir stating, "We are clear, all five leaders here—all the leaders of the meeting we just had with the coalition of the willing—an unconditional ceasefire, rejecting Putin's conditions, and clear that if he turns his back on peace, we will respond."
During the summit in Kyiv, European leaders secured the backing of Donald Trump after briefing him on the progress made on the so-called “coalition of the willing” plans. In Putin's statement on Sunday, he expressed his commitment to serious negotiations with Ukraine, stating, "Their purpose is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict, to establish a long-term, lasting peace. We do not rule out that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree on some new truces, a new ceasefire."
The proposed negotiation date falls on May 15, 2023, with Istanbul as the proposed venue, although Turkey does not appear to have been formally informed about the meeting as yet. The Russian leader will reportedly call Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow to discuss the proposal.
Given the apparent support from America for Europe's ultimatum to Russia, Putin had to respond with something new. However, critics argue that this proposal feels like a hastily cobbled-together response.
Sources:1. Putin calls for Ukraine talks in revised peace plan. (2023, May 7). CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-putin-proposes-istanbul-talks-n17433812. Putin lashes out as Europe threatens sanctions over Ukraine ceasefire. (2023, May 7). Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/putin-lashes-out-as-europe-threatens-sanctions-over-ukraine-ceasefire-127345483. Starmer and Trump urge Putin to agree to ceasefire to end Ukraine war. (2023, May 7). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/07/starmer-and-trump-urge-putin-to-agree-to-ceasefire-to-end-ukraine-war4. Russia and Ukraine: what's happening and why? (2023, May 7). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-646301175. Macron: Putin still wants to buy Time. (2023, May 7). France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230507-macron-putin-still-wants-to-buy-time-russia-ukraine-a86469
- In response to European leaders' ultimatum and potential sanctions, Vladimir Putin proposed a new peace plan for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, stipulating no preconditions.
- During a summit, European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, urged Putin to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, rejecting any conditions put forth by Putin.
- On Saturday, Donald Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, warning that further sanctions would be imposed if the truce was not respected.
- In Putin's statement on Sunday, he expressed his commitment to serious negotiations with Ukraine, aiming to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and establish a long-term, lasting peace.
- The Russian leader will reportedly call Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow to discuss the proposed peace plan, but Turkey has yet to be formally informed about the meeting.
