Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, announced on Sunday his intention to engage in direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. This proposal comes just hours after Ukrainian and European leaders called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. "We are committed to holding serious negotiations (...) to address the root causes of the conflict," Putin stated during a Kremlin press conference. He also mentioned the possibility of agreeing to a new ceasefire during these discussions, without directly addressing the appeal from Ukraine and other nations for the ceasefire to commence on Monday.
Yuri Ushakov, an advisor to the Russian president, informed the press that Russia will send a delegation to the talks in Istanbul, though the members of this delegation will be disclosed later. "We will send a delegation," Ushakov responded when questioned about who would participate in the peace talks.
In his briefing, Putin claimed that he had repeatedly put forth initiatives to end the fighting, but accused Kiev of sabotaging them, without acknowledging any breaches by the Kremlin of the proposed truces. He reiterated that the decision to pursue "serious" negotiations with Ukraine was motivated by a need to "eliminate the root causes of the conflict."
Leaders from four major European nations have threatened to ramp up pressure on Putin if he does not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland have indicated that their ceasefire proposal, set to begin on May 12, has the backing of United States President Donald Trump, who was briefed by phone earlier that day.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN on Saturday that Moscow would need to consider the proposal. On the same day, Peskov reiterated Russia's readiness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine "without preconditions," while accusing Kiev of obstructing these efforts. The unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia in honor of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany expired on Saturday, with Ukraine alleging that Russian forces repeatedly violated it.
In March, the United States offered an immediate and limited 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted, but the Kremlin has resisted agreeing to the terms.
Key Questions About the Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
What is the purpose of the proposed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine?
The peace talks aim to address and resolve the fundamental causes of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Who will represent Russia in the peace negotiations in Istanbul?
Russia will send a delegation, though the specific members have not yet been announced.
How have European leaders reacted to Putin's proposal for peace talks?
European leaders have expressed their intent to increase pressure on Putin if he does not agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.