Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukraine in the Turkish city of Istanbul on 15 May 2025, ‘without preconditions’ to achieve ‘lasting peace’ and ‘eliminate the root causes’ of the three-year conflict. The offer, delivered today, came hours after the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire to start on Monday.
According to Oman News Agency, President Putin stated, ‘We are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions.’ He addressed reporters by suggesting, ‘We offer the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations already on Thursday, in Istanbul.’ The Russian president emphasized his commitment to serious negotiations with Ukraine, expressing his desire for talks aimed at eliminating the root causes of the conflict and establishing a long-lasting peace.
Putin highlighted that the proposed talks should take place in the Turkish city of Istanbul, a venue previously used for discussions. He also mentioned plans to speak with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the logistical details of the proposed meeting.
There was no immediate response from Ukraine to the proposal. However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously expressed readiness for peace talks, contingent upon the establishment of a ceasefire.