Putin Proposes Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul on Might 15
Moscow, Russia – Might 11, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on Might 15, 2025, to be held “with out preconditions,” aiming to attain a “long-term, lasting peace” and handle the “root causes” of the continued battle. The announcement, made in a uncommon late-night Kremlin handle, got here hours after Ukraine and European leaders—France, Germany, Poland, and the UK—referred to as for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning Might 12, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin rejected the ceasefire proposal, criticizing European “ultimatums” and “anti-Russian rhetoric,” and as a substitute urged Kyiv to renew negotiations stalled since 2022.
The proposed talks reference the unsuccessful 2022 Istanbul negotiations, which collapsed after a draft deal involving Ukraine’s neutrality and navy limits failed, with Moscow blaming Kyiv and the West. Putin emphasised Russia’s readiness to barter, stating, “It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv,” and prompt a brand new ceasefire might emerge from the talks. He plans to coordinate with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to facilitate the assembly.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not responded instantly however beforehand insisted on a ceasefire earlier than talks. European leaders, assembly in Kyiv on Saturday, warned of “large” sanctions on Russia’s vitality and banking sectors if Moscow rejects the 30-day truce, with the U.S. main ceasefire monitoring. Trump praised Putin’s proposal on Reality Social, calling it a “doubtlessly nice day” for saving lives, although he has confronted criticism for pushing Ukraine to cede territory.
The battle, sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion, has killed lots of of 1000’s and displaced thousands and thousands, with latest Russian drone assaults and mutual ceasefire violations—reminiscent of Russia’s expired Might 8–10 truce—underscoring ongoing hostilities. Posts on X mirror skepticism, with some viewing Putin’s supply as a delay tactic to keep away from European sanctions.
This improvement coincides with U.S.-China commerce talks in Geneva, the place negotiators intention to cut back tariffs, and the show of a sculpture within the Oval Workplace commemorating Trump’s July 2024 assassination try, highlighting a turbulent world and home panorama.
