Putin Proposes Ukraine Peace Talks
By DAYO ADESULU
In a major diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly called for direct Ukraine Peace Talks, proposing Istanbul as the host city for the high-level meeting. The talks, he suggested, should begin without delay on May 15, 2025.
Speaking during a televised address shared by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putin emphasized the need for direct negotiations without preconditions, signaling a significant shift in Moscow’s approach to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine Peace Talks Must Resume Without Delay, Says Putin
Putin urged Kyiv to return to the negotiation table, asserting that Ukraine had walked away from previous discussions in 2022. “We suggest the authorities in Kyiv resume direct talks, which they themselves interrupted,” he said. “We propose to start the talks without delay, next week, on May 15, in Istanbul.”
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He reaffirmed Russia’s preference for Istanbul as the venue for Ukraine Peace Talks, praising Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for previously hosting and supporting peace efforts between both countries.
According to Putin, Turkey has always played a neutral and supportive role. “President Erdogan did a lot to facilitate earlier negotiations. We trust him to provide the same leadership again during the Ukraine Peace Talks,” he noted.
Draft Agreement Previously Rejected Under Western Pressure
Reflecting on earlier Ukraine Peace Talks efforts, Putin referenced a draft joint agreement that had reportedly been signed by Ukraine’s negotiation team. He alleged that the West sabotaged the peace process by pressuring Kyiv to abandon the agreement.
“As a result of those talks, a draft was initialed by Ukraine’s representatives. However, due to Western influence, it was discarded,” Putin revealed.
This, he added, was a missed opportunity to de-escalate the war and prevent further bloodshed. Nonetheless, Russia remains open to reviving that dialogue in a genuine, constructive manner.
Putin Plans Call With Erdogan to Finalize Peace Talks
The Russian president confirmed that he would speak directly with his Turkish counterpart to finalize logistics for the proposed Ukraine Peace Talks summit. “Tomorrow, I will have a phone call with President Erdogan and ask him to support and host the peace talks,” he said.
Putin expressed hope that Turkey would once again rise to the occasion and assist in promoting lasting peace in Eastern Europe.
Putin Seeks to Address Root Causes of Ukraine Conflict
According to Putin, the goal of the Ukraine peace talks is to address the core issues fueling the war. He stressed the importance of eliminating the underlying causes rather than merely imposing short-term solutions.
“We are committed to holding serious talks to remove the root causes of the conflict,” he said. “Our aim is a durable peace, not temporary calm.”
This approach, he explained, would ensure a more stable and secure future for both nations.
Ceasefire Discussions Likely During Istanbul Talks
While ceasefires are not the immediate focus, Putin indicated they could be discussed as part of the broader negotiations. “I can’t rule out that during the talks we will agree on new ceasefires or truces—real ones, respected by both sides,” he noted.
However, he warned against treating ceasefires during the Ukraine Peace Talks as strategic pauses used to regroup and rearm. “Such truces must not be a cover for further hostilities,” Putin warned.
Putin Challenges Ukraine and Its Western Backers
In his closing remarks, Putin made it clear that the next step belongs to Ukraine and its Western allies. “Our proposal is now on the table. It’s up to the Ukrainian authorities and their mentors to decide the path forward,” he concluded.
The Russian leader appears to be testing the resolve of Western nations that have continued to support Ukraine with military and financial aid.
Western Leaders Push for 30-Day Ceasefire
Putin’s proposal for Ukraine Peace Talks arrives amid mounting calls from the international community for a ceasefire. In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with four key European leaders—German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Together, they urged Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face expanded sanctions. Their joint stance signals growing impatience with continued hostilities.
Trump Administration Pressures Russia for Peace
U.S. President Donald Trump has also made the Ukraine conflict a top priority. He warned that any failure to honor a ceasefire would result in further coordinated sanctions. Trump has dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow to support high-level peace negotiations.
“Our mission is clear,” Trump said. “We want this war to end—not just paused, but resolved.”
Conclusion: The World Watches as Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Ukraine
As Putin proposes Ukraine Peace Talks and sets a clear timetable, global attention turns to Kyiv. The potential resumption of Istanbul-hosted negotiations offers a rare window for diplomacy. Whether this leads to a lasting resolution or another failed attempt depends largely on how Ukraine and its allies respond in the days ahead.
