Following a rejected European ultimatum for a 30-day ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Kyiv to address the “root causes” of the war. He suggested Istanbul as a venue on May 15th, without preconditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded positively, viewing the proposal as a step towards ending the conflict and expressing a willingness to engage in a lasting ceasefire starting May 12th.
Reactions from world leaders were varied. US President Donald Trump welcomed Putin's proposal and indicated further involvement; French President Emmanuel Macron described it as a first step but insufficient; while other European leaders emphasized the need for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.
Putin accused Ukraine of consistently violating previous ceasefires. He highlighted the alleged violations of energy infrastructure agreements and the unilateral truce declared around Victory Day.
Putin’s proposal seems intended to deter the West from exhausting its support for Ukraine. While proposing negotiations without preconditions, Russia's stance implies the recognition of Russian territorial gains in Ukraine as a non-negotiable condition.