In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting a meeting on May 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye, without any preconditions. This development has sparked a mixed reaction from world leaders, with some welcoming the initiative and others expressing skepticism.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, downplayed the proposal, stating that it is “a first step, but not enough.” Macron emphasized that the process should begin with a “full and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, as proposed by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, and EU, and reportedly supported by the US. He warned that Putin’s offer might be a delaying tactic, saying, “It shows that he is looking for a way out, but he still wants to buy time.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, confirmed that his country is ready to host the talks, describing it as a potential “historic turning point.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump welcomed Putin’s proposal, calling it “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine,” and anticipating “a BIG week upcoming!”
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky viewed the proposal as a “positive sign” and expressed his readiness to meet for talks, but insisted that a ceasefire should be the first step, suggesting it should begin on May 12. Moscow has previously warned that Ukraine could use a prolonged pause in the fighting to regroup and rearm, and Putin cited three ceasefires that Kiev has allegedly violated: a 30-day US-brokered halt on strikes against energy infrastructure, an unconditional Easter truce, and a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire.
The last direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks took place in Istanbul in 2022, shortly after the escalation of the conflict. Although the sides made progress and worked out a preliminary peace treaty, the process was derailed by Kiev’s Western backers, and the agreement eventually fell through. Zelensky later issued a decree banning peace talks with Putin.
As the international community waits with bated breath for the next development, it remains to be seen whether the proposed talks will lead to a meaningful breakthrough in the conflict. With various leaders pulling in different directions, the path to peace remains uncertain, and the world watches anxiously as the situation unfolds.