A new wave of diplomatic activity has arisen following Putin’s proposal for direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey next Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Moscow must first commit to a ceasefire “and then we are prepared to meet.”
“It’s encouraging that the Russian side is finally contemplating the prospect of ending the war, which the entire world has awaited. The first step towards a genuine conclusion is a ceasefire. There is no justification for the daily bloodshed to persist. We anticipate Russia will validate a full, lasting, and credible ceasefire starting Monday, and Ukraine stands ready for discussions,” Zelensky stated on X.
Simultaneously, Vladimir Putin’s advisor, Yuri Usakov, noted that the Kremlin’s proposed talks in Turkey should reflect the 2022 bilateral negotiation outcomes and the current situation “on the ground.”
“Taking into account the actual conditions, of course,” Usakov typically responded to inquiries.
When asked who would represent Russia at the negotiations, he mentioned, “The president will instruct us, and then we will make an announcement.”
Putin’s Response to the European Ultimatum
The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Russia, which is now met with a response from Putin.
In reply to the European leaders’ call, including that of Donald Trump, for an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine on Monday, Putin held a late-night press conference (2 a.m. Russian time) to propose direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey starting Thursday.
“We suggest that Kiev resumes direct negotiations without preconditions on May 15 in Istanbul, Turkey,” Putin stated during the emergency briefing, also announcing upcoming discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Speaking for 18 minutes without taking questions after making reporters wait for seven hours, Putin remarked, “It was not Russia that halted negotiations in 2022; it was Kiev. However, we propose that negotiations resume without preconditions. The ball is now in Ukraine’s court.”
This proposal was met with enthusiasm by US President Donald Trump, who described it as a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine” in a post on Truth Social.
“Consider the countless lives that could be saved when this continuous ‘bloodbath’ comes to an end. It could usher in a much better WORLD. I will collaborate with both parties to ensure this occurs. The US wants to shift its focus towards rebuilding and trade. A GREAT week ahead!” Trump wrote.
Putin’s Message to Europe
In his address, Vladimir Putin also mentioned that some European nations continue to issue ultimatums to Russia, but he is confident that constructive relations with Europe can eventually be rekindled.
He asserted that Kiev has consistently violated prior ceasefire agreements, including a 30-day halt on attacks against energy infrastructure and a recent three-day ceasefire in May, during which Ukraine allegedly conducted multiple attacks, which Russia claims were countered with significant Ukrainian losses.
He believes that a “real ceasefire” might be achievable during the proposed negotiations in Constantinople.
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