In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday Russia’s willingness to restart direct talks with Ukraine to end the ongoing war, proposing the discussions begin on May 15 in Turkey without any preconditions from Russia. This announcement coincided with the final day of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, amid escalating tensions and demands from Western leaders.
Putin criticized Ukraine for previously abandoning talks and breaking ceasefire agreements, emphasizing his desire for serious negotiations aimed at achieving long-term peace. He is expected to discuss this initiative with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan later the same day. Meanwhile, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and Germany together called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday and warned of increased sanctions against Russia if this demand is not met.
The collective efforts of these leaders, who previously convened at a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers, represent a unified front involving over 30 countries supporting Ukraine. The proposal for a ceasefire received backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to halt combat in all domains, thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for peace talks.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg emphasized that a ceasefire could signal the beginning of resolving the longest and largest war in Europe since World War II, echoing Trump’s call to end the violence.
Putin has previously asserted that for any peace agreement, Ukraine must withdraw from territories like Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which Russia annexed after its invasion in February 2022, and also hold commitments against joining NATO and adhering to cultural protections for Russians in Ukraine.
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