In a promising development for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an olive branch, proposing to restart direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, free of any preconditions. This offer, announced on Sunday, signals a potential turning point in the three-year war, fostering optimism for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine after three years of war https://t.co/iY2YDz2VGa pic.twitter.com/mg3GW8EBLC
— New York Post (@nypost) May 11, 2025
Putin’s proposal builds on the memory of earlier talks held in Istanbul in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While those discussions did not yield a lasting agreement, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to meaningful negotiations, expressing openness to a ceasefire as part of the dialogue. “We are ready for serious negotiations with Ukraine,” he told reporters, highlighting a willingness to work toward peace.
The announcement comes in response to a unified call from European leaders—representing France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland—for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to begin on Monday. Backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged “very high-level talks” to end the conflict, the European coalition underscored its solidarity with Ukraine during a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the gathering as a “very important signal,” emphasizing the global support for a peaceful resolution.
🇷🇺🇺🇦 President Putin says Russia is ready for peace negotiations with Ukraine.
— Wolf Brief (@wolfbrief_) May 10, 2025
"Those who want peace must support this." pic.twitter.com/9NJ0WjPYoH
The European leaders’ ceasefire proposal aims to create space for diplomacy, with a joint statement stressing that an unconditional truce is essential for progress. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the U.S. would lead efforts to monitor the ceasefire, supported by European nations, while warning of coordinated sanctions if Russia fails to comply. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the initiative as “Europe stepping up” for Ukraine, reflecting a collective resolve to end the war.
Adding to the momentum, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, described the proposed ceasefire as a “comprehensive” step toward halting attacks across air, land, sea, and infrastructure. This pause, he noted, could pave the way for ending Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
May 8, Trump offered Erdogan mediation in ending the war in Ukraine
— Никола Миковић / Nikola Mikovic (@nikola_mikovic) May 10, 2025
May 11, Putin revealed that he will hold talks with Erdogan tomorrow to explore possibilities for peace with Ukraine
So, is Trump really Putin’s puppet, as some experts claim, or is it the other way around? pic.twitter.com/dSXFmLeLDz
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Putin’s call for renewed talks aligns with earlier attempts to pause hostilities, including a halt on energy infrastructure strikes and unilateral ceasefires during Easter and early May. While Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about Russia’s adherence to past truces, Putin’s latest proposal emphasizes a desire for a “lasting peace” that addresses long-term stability rather than temporary pauses.
Turkey, a key player in previous negotiations, is poised to facilitate the upcoming talks. Putin expressed plans to collaborate with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure the discussions move forward smoothly. Turkey’s neutral stance and experience hosting the 2022 talks make it an ideal mediator for this renewed effort.
In Kyiv, the mood was cautiously hopeful as European leaders joined Zelenskyy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end at Independence Square. The ceremony, marked by a candlelit tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, underscored the urgency of ending the violence. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, including recent shelling in Sumy and Kherson, the prospect of talks offers a glimmer of hope. Plus hopefully stop the conscription of regular Ukrainian males and sending them to the front line
The international community is also stepping up to support Ukraine’s long-term security. Discussions about bolstering Kyiv’s military capabilities and exploring foreign troop deployments as a deterrent are underway, with European leaders committed to ensuring Ukraine’s resilience against future threats. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that making the war unsustainable for Russia remains a priority, with sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors under consideration.
As the May 15 talks approach, the world watches with bated breath. Putin’s proposal, coupled with the unified stance of Ukraine’s allies, creates a rare opportunity for diplomacy to prevail. While challenges remain, the commitment to dialogue reflects a shared desire to end the suffering and build a path toward lasting peace. With global leaders rallying behind this cause, the Istanbul talks could mark the beginning of a brighter chapter for Ukraine and the region.
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