Vladimir Putin: Vladimir Putin ready for direct talks with Ukraine ‘without any preconditions’ as Europe demands ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed restarting direct peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 “without preconditions,” hours after European leaders demanded a full 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
The supply comes as Kyiv and its allies intensify diplomatic efforts to halt the three-year conflict and stress Moscow into halting hostilities.
“We propose to the Kyiv authorities to resume the talks that they broke off in 2022, and, I emphasise, without any preconditions,” Putin mentioned in an announcement delivered simply after 1 am (native time), as reported by AFP.

He added, “We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine,” and mentioned the Kremlin doesn’t rule out agreeing to a ceasefire through the course of the talks.

The proposal follows a robust present of unity in Kyiv on Saturday by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland, who issued a joint name for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and warned Moscow of “new and massive” sanctions if it fails to conform.

French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the ceasefire could be monitored by the US, with assist from European companions.

“An unconditional ceasefire by definition cannot be subject to any conditions,” learn the joint assertion revealed on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s official web site. “If Russia calls for such conditions, this can only be considered as an effort to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.”

The proposed ceasefire is backed by US President Donald Trump, who has just lately mentioned Ukraine and Russia are “very close to a deal,” though he additionally voiced doubts about Putin’s willingness to finish the battle.

Retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, Trump’s particular envoy to Ukraine, was quoted by AP as saying that the ceasefire would “start the process for ending the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II.”

Putin didn’t straight reply to the European proposal however claimed Ukraine had “sabotaged” previous Russian ceasefire affords, together with a 30-hour Easter truce and a May 8–10 unilateral halt in combating. “Those who truly want peace cannot but support” the brand new talks in Istanbul, he mentioned.

Ukraine, nonetheless, has accused Russia of routinely violating its personal ceasefires.
Ukrainian overseas minister Andrii Sybiha, quoted by the New York Times, mentioned the monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire was nonetheless below dialogue however emphasised Kyiv’s readiness for peace. “If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations,” he mentioned.

Putin additionally vowed to talk with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about internet hosting the May 15 assembly, referencing the failed 2022 talks in Istanbul which had touched on Ukraine’s neutrality and future safety preparations. As per information company AP, he reiterated that talks ought to intention to “eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to establish a long-lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, Russian assaults proceed. Ukrainian officers mentioned shelling in Sumy killed three civilians, whereas a drone strike in Kherson left one useless. The US Embassy in Kyiv warned of a “potentially significant” Russian air assault within the coming days.

With Trump’s administration having halted new navy support for over 120 days, Kyiv’s allies are pushing to strengthen Ukraine’s defence by means of arms provides and doable troop deployments.

Macron mentioned build up Ukraine’s navy capabilities and discussing safety ensures would serve as long-term deterrents.

As Europe prepares for doable failure of the ceasefire effort, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned, “Almost all member states of the European Union and a large coalition of the willing around the world are determined to enforce these sanctions even if our initiative… should fail.”

Still, the Kremlin stays defiant. Russia’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the specter of additional sanctions, telling Rossiya-1 that the nation was “accustomed to such pressure.”