On May 11, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant announcement during a press conference with representatives from both Russian and foreign media, proposing that Ukraine resume direct negotiations that were previously interrupted at the end of 2022. Putin suggested that these talks could commence as soon as Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Istanbul, where previous discussions had taken place. "We propose to the Kyiv authorities to resume negotiations, which they interrupted at the end of 2022, and to resume direct negotiations without any preconditions," he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
During the press conference, which followed a series of international meetings celebrating the anniversary of Victory Day, Putin expressed disappointment that Ukraine did not respond to Moscow's recent proposal for a ceasefire during this significant period. He noted that in the three days of the truce, the Ukrainian side made five attempts to attack the Russian border, all of which were successfully repelled, resulting in significant losses for the Ukrainian forces.
Despite these tensions, Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to engaging in serious dialogue aimed at resolving the underlying causes of the conflict. "Moscow is set for serious negotiations with Ukraine, and their purpose is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict," he said. Furthermore, he indicated that he intends to discuss the possibility of these negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan soon.
Putin's remarks came on the heels of a demand from leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany, and Poland for Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire by May 12, 2025, warning of tougher sanctions should Russia refuse. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has yet to respond to Moscow's proposal, but he previously indicated that if Russia rejects the ceasefire, it would lead to new sanctions targeting the energy and financial sectors.
In his address, Putin did not clarify whether Russia would agree to the proposed truce, stating only that the decision is now in the hands of the Ukrainian authorities and their international partners. "Our proposals are on the table; the decision is up to the Ukrainian authorities and their curators," he remarked, indicating that Moscow remains open to discussions.
Putin also expressed gratitude towards foreign leaders who have made efforts toward a peaceful resolution, highlighting that Russia is striving for a long-term peace in Ukraine. He maintained that Moscow does not rule out the possibility of achieving a ceasefire during the forthcoming negotiations.
The press conference was attended by a diverse group of journalists from various countries, including major outlets such as BBC, CNN, and NBC. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary, noted that the address would be brief yet substantive, and he dismissed rumors that Putin's statements would cause a media sensation, saying, "The Internet always wants to detonate something, and we are not going to detonate anything."
Putin's invitation to resume negotiations has sparked reactions from international media, with some commentators suggesting that his proposal is a tactical move in response to the pressure from European leaders. Reports indicate that while Ukraine has been calling for an immediate ceasefire, Putin's insistence on preconditions could complicate the prospects for peace. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Putin's offer as a "first step, but not enough," indicating that unconditional negotiations should precede any ceasefire.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely. The dynamics of the conflict remain complex, with both sides entrenched in their positions. With the proposed negotiations set to take place in Istanbul, the coming days could be pivotal in determining the future of the conflict.
Putin's proposal also references a draft agreement from 2022 that was discussed during earlier negotiations in Istanbul, which suggested that Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in exchange for international security guarantees from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, Great Britain, and the USA. This aspect of the negotiations underscores the geopolitical stakes involved, as both sides navigate the intricate landscape of international relations.
In summary, as of May 11, 2025, the prospect of renewed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine hangs in the balance, with Putin's recent proposal representing a potential turning point. However, the response from Kyiv and the international community remains uncertain, and the path to peace is fraught with challenges.
