Moscow — President Vladimir Putin announced his commitment to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, proposing that discussions begin in Turkey on May 15 without any preconditions from Russia. He indicated that he would speak with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to arrange the talks. Putin claimed that Ukraine had previously withdrawn from negotiations and violated ceasefire agreements, attributing blame to both sides for the failures during past ceasefires. He emphasized the potential for serious talks aimed at achieving lasting peace.
His remarks coincided with the final day of a three-day ceasefire declared by Russia and followed a threat from leaders of the UK, France, Poland, and Germany to intensify sanctions against Russia unless it agrees to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. These leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, gathered to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv, backing the need for a renewed ceasefire with support expressed from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The intended ceasefire aims to halt hostilities across land, sea, and air, as global leaders push for a truce to facilitate peace talks and an end to over three years of conflict. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg noted that such a ceasefire could mark the beginning of resolving “the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.”
Previously, Putin stated he desired Ukraine’s withdrawal from four annexed regions and insisted on Ukraine’s commitment to never join NATO, limiting its military, and upholding Russian culture and language within its borders. He also expressed confidence in Russia’s capacity to continue the war if necessary, while hoping to avoid nuclear escalation.
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