Putin suggests for Ukraine direct discussions without preconditions
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an offer to Ukraine to resume direct peace negotiations—without any preconditions—in Istanbul starting May 15. He criticized Kiev for abandoning talks in 2022 and for ignoring recent ceasefire initiatives, including during the Victory Day celebrations.
Speaking to reporters early Sunday after meetings with several foreign leaders, Putin reiterated Moscow’s willingness to return to the negotiating table. “We propose that Kiev resume the negotiations it suspended in 2022—direct talks, without any preconditions. We are ready to start on May 15 in Istanbul,” he said.
Putin emphasized that Russia remains open to achieving a ceasefire and a broader peace settlement, but under conditions that are genuine and not used by Ukraine as an opportunity to regroup militarily. He stated that the decision to resume talks now rests with Kiev and its Western backers.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite to negotiations—a demand Russia has rejected, calling it external pressure. Putin pointed out that Ukraine has repeatedly violated previous ceasefire agreements, including a U.S.-brokered 30-day pause, an Easter truce, and a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire.
He also accused Kiev of trying to intimidate foreign dignitaries attending Moscow's Victory Day celebrations, further undermining trust. “Russia is ready for talks without any preconditions,” Putin reiterated, adding that the negotiations should aim for a lasting and sustainable peace—not a temporary pause for Ukraine to rearm and entrench.
Putin welcomed mediation efforts from China, Brazil, the U.S. (under Donald Trump), and countries in Africa and the Middle East. He confirmed that Turkey has been asked to host the renewed negotiations.
In 2022, Russia and Ukraine reportedly reached a draft deal in Istanbul involving Ukrainian neutrality and Russian troop withdrawals. However, the agreement fell through, with reports suggesting Ukraine backed out under British pressure. Zelensky later banned himself from holding any talks with Putin.
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