Putin proposes direct peace talks to Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to resume direct peace talks with Ukraine, proposing May 15 as the date and Istanbul as the location—where the last significant negotiations between the two countries took place in 2022.

Speaking to journalists at the Kremlin, Putin said, "We have never refused dialogue with the Ukrainian side. Let me remind you: it was not us who ended the negotiations in 2022—it was Ukraine. Despite everything, we are offering the government in Kyiv the chance to resume those talks, without any preconditions."

Putin also stated that he intends to speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan tomorrow and will ask him to facilitate a renewed round of talks in Turkey.
"I hope Erdoğan will confirm his willingness to contribute to the pursuit of peace in Ukraine," Putin added.

This unexpected overture comes just days after the leaders of Germany, France, the UK, and Poland joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire across land, air, and sea, starting May 12. The leaders warned that Moscow would face severe new sanctions if it refuses the ceasefire.

Putin also said that a ceasefire agreement could be reached during the proposed negotiations, but stressed it must be genuine and respected by both sides. "We do not rule out that these talks could lead to a new truce—a real ceasefire observed not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side. This would be the first step, I repeat, toward a long-term, sustainable peace, not a prelude to another round of armed conflict after Ukraine rearms and regroups. Who needs that kind of peace?" he said.