Putin Proposes Direct Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

In a significant diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to resume direct peace negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting that these discussions take place in Istanbul on May 15. This proposal comes in response to Ukraine's call for an extended ceasefire, which is set to begin on Monday. Putin emphasized the need for talks to be conducted without preconditions, asserting that those who genuinely seek peace should welcome this initiative.

Putin's announcement was made during a press conference in Moscow, where he confirmed his intention to discuss the situation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the same day. Erdogan has previously indicated that Turkey could serve as an ideal venue for peace talks, and Putin expressed hope that Erdogan would affirm his commitment to facilitating a resolution in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier urged for a 30-day ceasefire, backed by Western allies, insisting that it should be implemented without conditions. Zelensky also warned that failure to establish a ceasefire could lead to new sanctions against Russia.

In the meantime, Putin has accused Ukraine of sabotaging multiple attempts to secure a ceasefire, while leaving the possibility of extending the recently declared three-day ceasefire open. This temporary pause, which coincided with the celebrations for the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, has since expired, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who confirmed that the ceasefire is no longer in effect.

Both sides have exchanged accusations regarding violations of the ceasefire agreements, with Zelensky asserting that Russia had merely pretended to observe the temporary halt in hostilities to facilitate its commemorative events. He pointed out that attacks along the front lines have continued unabated.

On the diplomatic front, a coalition of Western leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, visited Kyiv to press for an unconditional ceasefire from Russia. Merz described their mission as the largest diplomatic effort in recent months aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Russia, for its part, has set conditions for a ceasefire, demanding the cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine from the United States and the European Union. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov argued that permitting a ceasefire without such conditions would unfairly advantage Ukraine, allowing them to bolster their military capabilities during a lull in hostilities. He underscored that Russia has made significant advances in its military operations and is currently in a position of strength.

Despite threats of sanctions from Western nations should Russia refuse to comply with a ceasefire, Putin's administration has expressed a defiant stance, indicating that they have grown accustomed to such measures. Peskov stated that the Russian government is already considering strategies to mitigate the impact of potential sanctions, asserting that efforts to intimidate Russia through economic pressure would ultimately be ineffective.

The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine resisting Russian aggression for over three years, with reports of continued drone attacks in the region, underscoring the persistent volatility of the situation.