In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an invitation to Ukraine for “direct talks” on May 15, shortly after European leaders urged Moscow to uphold a 30-day ceasefire. During a rare late-night televised address from the Kremlin, Putin emphasized that Russia desires “serious negotiations” aimed at fostering “a lasting, strong peace.”
Pressure from European Leaders
Earlier on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv alongside leaders from France, Germany, and Poland. Their objective was to press Russia into committing to an unconditional ceasefire set to commence on Monday. Following the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Moscow would need to “think this through,” yet warned that attempts to pressure Russia would be “quite useless.”
“I cannot rule out the possibility that the talks could result in Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a new truce,” Putin stated.
Location and Previous Negotiations
Putin suggested that the negotiations take place in Istanbul, Turkey, a location used for previous discussions, and indicated he would converse with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to finalize arrangements. However, there has been no response from Kyiv regarding the invitation.
During the meeting in Kyiv, the coalition of leaders, which includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine. They cautioned that “new and massive” sanctions would be imposed on Russia’s energy and banking sectors if Putin fails to agree to the proposed ceasefire, which encompasses air, sea, and land operations.
After the summit, Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the leaders for their steadfast support, stating, “Today we will focus on how to build and guarantee real and lasting security.” Sir Keir later conveyed to the BBC that US President Donald Trump was unequivocal in urging compliance with the demand for an immediate ceasefire.
In response to the ceasefire proposal, Peskov described it as “a new development” but reiterated that attempts to pressure Russia would be ineffective. He pointed out that European statements appeared “generally confrontational rather than aimed at reviving our relations.” Furthermore, Moscow has insisted that any consideration of a ceasefire must be preceded by a cessation of Western military assistance to Ukraine.
In his address, Putin remarked, “This would be the first step towards a long-term, lasting peace, rather than a prologue to more armed hostilities after the Ukrainian armed forces get new armaments and personnel.” He criticized Ukraine for allegedly failing to respond to previous ceasefire proposals, including a 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure and a ceasefire planned for World War Two commemorations, which concluded on Saturday.
Kyiv had dismissed the earlier unilateral ceasefire as a “theatrical show,” insisting on a more extended truce of at least 30 days. Despite a reduction in hostilities during this period, both sides accused each other of breaches. On the day the ceasefire commenced, Ukraine reported over 730 violations by Russia, while Russia’s defense ministry claimed Ukraine committed 488 violations.
Putin concluded by stating, “In spite of everything, we are offering the Kyiv authorities to resume the negotiations… resume direct talks, and I stress, without any preconditions.” It is noteworthy that the last direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv took place in 2022, coinciding with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.