Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Sunday, proposed direct talks with Ukraine to bring an end to the ongoing war that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion. In a televised statement, Putin called for negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, emphasizing that they must take place without preconditions, with the ultimate goal of establishing lasting peace.
He outlined his willingness to engage in discussions about the root causes of the conflict, which he hopes would lead to a ceasefire agreement. While offering this proposal, Putin urged Ukrainian officials to resume talks, scheduled for Thursday, and expressed that the decision to engage now rests with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Demands Ceasefire Before Talks as Trump and International Leaders Urge Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the idea of negotiations but stressed that a ceasefire must be agreed upon before any talks could proceed. Zelenskyy highlighted that ending the war should start with a full and reliable ceasefire, noting that the world has long awaited such a move. He emphasized the importance of stopping the ongoing violence to prevent further loss of life. The Ukrainian president outlined Ukraine’s readiness to meet and discuss the terms of a ceasefire if Russia confirms its commitment to such an agreement.
Putin Proposes Peace Talks as Zelenskyy Insists on Ceasefire and Global Leaders Push for DiplomacyU.S. President Donald Trump also expressed optimism about the potential for peace, stating that the end of the war could save hundreds of thousands of lives. Trump highlighted that bringing an end to the “bloodbath” would lead to a better future for both Russia and Ukraine. He expressed a desire for the U.S. to focus on rebuilding and trade, while continuing to facilitate negotiations between the two sides. The international community, including European leaders, had earlier called for a ceasefire and warned of further sanctions if Russia did not comply with demands for peace.
Putin Maintains Preconditioned Peace Talks on NATO Territorial Disputes and Ongoing Military Actions
While Putin has expressed readiness for talks, he has also maintained several key conditions. These include Ukraine’s abandonment of its NATO ambitions and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories claimed by Russia. Despite pressure from Western leaders, Putin has insisted on these preconditions for any peace agreement.
He pointed to previous ceasefire proposals that were met with limited success, including an Easter truce and a 72-hour ceasefire marking the anniversary of World War Two. However, both sides have accused each other of violating these temporary ceasefires.
Putin recalled a 2022 draft agreement between Russia and Ukraine, which suggested that Ukraine adopt a stance of permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees. He insisted that it was Ukraine, not Russia, that broke off the negotiations in 2022. While Moscow has stated it is not opposed to Ukraine’s EU aspirations, it continues to demand concessions regarding NATO and territorial disputes.
Despite the proposal for direct talks, Russia’s military actions continue, with a drone attack on Kyiv occurring on the same day Putin made his peace proposal. The situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm on their conditions for a resolution.
