In a significant diplomatic turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace negotiations with Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in the ongoing war that began in February 2022.
The offer, extended during a late-night televised address from the Kremlin, suggests holding talks in Istanbul without preconditions—a notable development amid a conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
“We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin stated. “We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded positively to the overture, calling it a “welcome step.” However, he emphasized that a ceasefire must precede any meaningful dialogue.
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“It’s a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” Zelenskiy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire. We expect Russia to confirm a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”
The proposal from the Kremlin comes as Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield and follows mounting pressure from European leaders.
On Saturday, major European powers visited Kyiv, urging Moscow to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face severe new sanctions. Putin dismissed the Western demands, criticizing them as “ultimatums.”
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Nevertheless, he hinted at flexibility during the proposed talks. “We do not rule out that both sides could agree on new truces, a new ceasefire,” he said, adding that it could be the first step toward achieving a “sustainable” peace.
U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the development, calling it a pivotal moment in the war. “A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never-ending bloodbath hopefully comes to an end.”
This unexpected diplomatic opening, if followed through, could mark a turning point in a war that has reshaped global alliances and triggered one of the most serious confrontations between Russia and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
As the world watches closely, all eyes are now on May 12—when a ceasefire could signal the first real progress toward ending one of the deadliest European conflicts in modern history.
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