President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday that Russia is willing to restart direct negotiations with Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict, proposing that talks commence on May 15 in Turkey without any preconditions from Russia. He emphasized a desire for serious discussions leading to long-term peace. This statement coincided with the final day of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia and followed threats from leaders of the UK, France, Poland, and Germany to impose stricter sanctions if Moscow does not agree to a new unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
During a joint press event, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine amid growing international pressure on Russia. They gathered with Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelenskyy at a memorial for fallen soldiers in Kyiv, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate peace talks. U.S. President Donald Trump was also briefed on the proposed ceasefire, suggesting bipartisan support for the initiative.
As part of the background, Putin has previously demanded that Ukraine withdraw from four annexed regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—and abide by conditions related to NATO membership and the protection of Russian culture within Ukraine. Despite asserting that Russia has the capability to sustain the conflict, he expressed hope that nuclear weapons would not be needed to achieve his objectives.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, noted that the proposed ceasefire could pave the way for resolving one of Europe’s largest and longest ongoing conflicts. The situation remains delicate, with international leaders keen to persuade Moscow to enter into meaningful dialogue for a durable peace settlement.
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