- Putin proposes direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, aiming for a long-lasting peace without preconditions. This move highlights that Putin proposes a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
- European leaders and Trump push for a 30-day ceasefire to stop the ongoing war.
- Despite Russia’s resistance, Western pressure grows, demanding progress on peace talks and ceasefire agreements.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to restart direct peace talks with Ukraine. He suggested holding the meeting on Thursday, May 15 in Istanbul, the same city where earlier negotiations took place before they stopped. Putin proposes these talks must happen without preconditions. He also stressed that Russia wants to begin talks immediately. His goal is to fix the root causes of the war and build a long-lasting peace between the two countries.
European Leaders and Trump Push for a Ceasefire
Just hours before Putin’s announcement, four European leaders visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Leaders from Germany, France, the UK, and Poland stood together and demanded a 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron warned Russia of “massive sanctions” if it refuses to agree. The leaders made their demand after a joint phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump fully supported their call for peace and promised to help both sides reach an agreement.
Trump Calls It a Great Day for Peace in the Region
After Putin’s offer, Trump posted on his platform, Truth Social. He called it a “potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.” He said he will continue working with both sides to make it happen. Trump urged everyone to consider the hundreds of thousands of lives that could be saved. He described the war as a “never-ending bloodbath” and called for urgent action. Trump sees this ceasefire as a necessary first step toward permanent peace in the region.
Kremlin Rejects Pressure But Open to Talks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded quickly after the European leaders demanded a truce. He said Russia does not respond well to pressure. He accused Europe of openly confronting Russia. Peskov also said Putin supports a ceasefire in principle. However, he explained that there are many unanswered questions in the current proposal. He refused to say what those questions are. Still, he confirmed that Putin plans to talk with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about setting up talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, emphasizing that Putin proposes to find a middle ground.
Ukraine Has Been Asking for a Truce for Weeks
Ukraine has asked for a 30-day ceasefire for more than two months. Its European allies, as well as Trump, have backed this request. Russia has not agreed yet. Russian officials say they accept the idea but insist on discussing what they call “nuances” first. These delays have stopped any real progress. Both sides remain far from any actual agreement.
Putin Says Ukraine Must Now Decide
Putin denied that Russia is blocking talks. He said Ukraine must now decide whether to join the talks. He added that during negotiations, both sides could arrange a new ceasefire. However, he warned that any ceasefire should not become a chance for Ukraine to rearm. He accused Ukraine of using past pauses to dig new trenches and prepare for more battles. Putin said he wants talks that lead to lasting peace, not just a break before more fighting.
NATO Expansion Still a Key Issue for Russia
Putin repeated that the talks must address what he calls the “root causes” of the war. He often blames NATO’s eastward expansion for the conflict. He wants Western countries to listen to Russia’s concerns about security. This demand has stayed the same since the war began.
Trump Warns of More Sanctions if Russia Delays
In an earlier post, Trump warned Russia again. He said if the ceasefire fails, the U.S. and its allies will bring new sanctions. Trump appears frustrated with Russia’s refusal to agree. He made ending the war one of his top foreign policy goals. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has worked hard to bring both sides to the table.
High-Level Talks Continue Despite Russian Resistance
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has visited Moscow four times in recent weeks. U.S. and Russian officials have also met in several private meetings. These talks show how much effort the Trump administration has made. Even so, Russia still refuses to accept even a short ceasefire. The 30-day truce was designed as a first step toward permanent peace. But Russia keeps stalling.
Secretary Rubio Threatens to Walk Away From Talks
Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a strong warning. He said the U.S. might walk away from the peace efforts if Russia continues to delay. Since then, the U.S. has started working more closely with Europe. Together, they now plan to increase pressure on Moscow. Their goal is to stop the war and bring both sides back to the table. The discussion intensifies as Putin proposes finding a possible resolution.
Russia Thanks the U.S. But Won’t Accept Pressure
On Saturday, Peskov told CNN that Russia is thankful for Washington’s help. He said Moscow appreciates the mediation efforts. But he made it clear that pressure from the West won’t work. “It’s quite useless to try to press on us,” he said. Russia continues to resist outside demands but still claims to support the idea of peace.
