Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting a meeting in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions. This proposal comes amid heightened international pressure following a 24-hour ultimatum from the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine for Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or face intensified sanctions and increased military support for Ukraine.
While Putin expresses readiness for negotiations, he maintains demands such as Ukraine's neutrality, non-membership in NATO, and withdrawal from regions claimed by Russia. He also references a 2022 draft agreement proposing Ukrainian neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to engage in direct talks with Putin if it is the only way to achieve peace, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire as a prerequisite. However, Putin has previously questioned Zelenskyy's legitimacy due to the expiration of his presidential term during martial law, suggesting that negotiations should be conducted with other representatives of the Ukrainian government.
The proposed talks in Istanbul represent a potential opportunity to address the ongoing conflict, but significant challenges remain, including mutual distrust and differing preconditions for negotiations.
