Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukraine to restart direct peace talks in Istanbul. The offer is for May 15, with no preconditions.
“We propose that the Kiev authorities resume the negotiations they interrupted in 2022,” Putin said on Sunday. “We propose to start without delay next Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul.”
He said the decision now lies with Ukraine and its backers.
“We do not rule out the possibility that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree on some new solutions,” he added. “A real ceasefire could be reached, one respected by both sides.”
Putin made the remarks after meeting foreign leaders in Moscow during Victory Day celebrations.
Zelensky Demands Ceasefire Before Any Talks
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky responded from Kiev. He said Russia must agree to a full 30-day ceasefire first.
“It is a good sign that the Russians are finally thinking about ending the war,” Zelensky posted on Telegram. “The very first step in actually ending any war is a ceasefire.”
“We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” he added.
Zelensky’s adviser, Andrey Yermak, also responded. “First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else,” he said. “Russia must not mask the desire to continue the war under verbal constructions.”
Russia Says Ukraine Violated Past Ceasefires
Putin accused Ukraine of breaking several past ceasefires offered by Moscow. These include the Easter truce, a 72-hour Victory Day pause, and a U.S.-brokered moratorium.
“The Kiev authorities not only rejected our proposal for a ceasefire,” Putin said. “They also tried to intimidate the leaders of states gathered for the celebrations in Moscow.”
“Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions,” he said again, adding that the talks must lead to “a long-term, sustainable peace.”
He thanked countries like China, Brazil, and Turkey for helping peace efforts. He also welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest.
Trump Urges Ukraine to Accept Talks
Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, supported the peace proposal.
“President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine,” he wrote. “But rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY.”
Trump said talks could show “whether or not a deal is possible.”
“I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin,” he added.
Türkiye Offers to Host Negotiations Again
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke to Putin by phone on Sunday. He welcomed the offer to continue the talks in Istanbul.
“We are ready to host negotiations that would lead to a permanent solution,” Erdogan said.
The Kremlin confirmed the call and said the two leaders discussed details of the new offer.
“The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and conducting negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting peace,” the Kremlin said.
Türkiye hosted talks between Moscow and Kiev in 2022. At the time, a draft agreement was reached. It included neutrality for Ukraine and security guarantees from Russia. But Ukraine later withdrew.
Kremlin and Western Leaders Disagree on the Process
Western leaders have called for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for diplomacy. The Kremlin insists that peace talks must come first.
“Putin’s proposal is absolutely clear,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. “First, negotiations about the root causes, and then we can talk about a ceasefire.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed her point. “There are lots of questions that remain unresolved,” he said.
He added that Moscow fears a pause would help Ukraine regroup its troops. He also warned against continued Western arms deliveries during any ceasefire.
Background of the Failed 2022 Talks
In 2022, peace talks in Istanbul reached a tentative draft agreement. It included neutrality and limited military capacity for Ukraine. Russia promised troop withdrawals.
But the deal collapsed. Ukraine later issued a decree banning Zelensky from holding talks with Putin.
British former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused of advising Kiev to walk away from the talks. Johnson denies it, but Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia confirmed that London influenced Kiev’s decision.
Putin has renewed his offer for peace talks without preconditions. Ukraine insists on a ceasefire first. Türkiye is willing to mediate again.
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