(Russia, May 11) Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday (10th) his intention to hold direct talks with Ukraine, suggesting that the meeting take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday (15th) without any preconditions.
In his address to both domestic and international media, Putin highlighted that although peace talks at the start of the 2022 conflict broke down due to Ukraine’s actions, Russia remains committed to the negotiation process. He stated that Russia has already submitted its proposal to Ukraine, leaving the decision in Kyiv’s hands. Putin reiterated Russia’s aim to achieve long-term peace through dialogue and expressed determination to have serious discussions with Ukraine to address the root causes of the conflict.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on Saturday morning to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. After the meeting, they jointly urged both sides to implement a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, covering all land, sea, and air operations.
Western leaders warned that if Russia rejects the ceasefire proposal, it would face harsher sanctions, including stricter measures targeting its energy and banking sectors.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, wrote on social media: “The war must end with a just peace, and we must compel Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.” He added that many issues remain to be discussed and resolved.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia would carefully consider the 30-day ceasefire proposal but emphasized that Russia maintains its own stance on the matter. He reiterated Russia's willingness to engage in dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the conflict while asserting that external pressure on Russia would not be effective.